Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
Book VII: The Dead Sea Campaign explained
After the capture of Jerusalem, Allenby assigns Lawrence and the Arab forces a limited objective to relieve his right flank.
What happens
After the capture of Jerusalem, Allenby assigns Lawrence and the Arab forces a limited objective to relieve his right flank. The campaign begins well but deteriorates due to bad weather, low morale, and internal divisions. Lawrence has a misunderstanding with Zeid, resigns, and returns to Palestine to report failure and request reassignment. Allenby, planning a major spring offensive, sends Lawrence back to Feisal with expanded authority.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Endurance
The campaign's failure is attributed to 'bad weather, bad temper and division of purpose,' highlighting the physical and moral toll on the Arab force.
Futility and Meaning
Lawrence's resignation and report of failure reflect the sense of futility in the Dead Sea operations, contrasted with Allenby's larger strategic hopes.
Honor and Deception
The misunderstanding between Lawrence and Zeid suggests a breakdown in trust and honor among the Arab leadership.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrator and protagonist; leads the Arab force, has a falling out with Zeid, resigns, and is sent back by Allenby.
- Sherif Zeid
Lawrence's commander in the field; their misunderstanding contributes to the campaign's collapse.
- General Allenby
British commander; assigns the limited objective, receives Lawrence's report of failure, and sends him back to Feisal with new powers.
- Emir Feisal
Arab leader to whom Lawrence is sent back with renewed authority.
Key passages
“After the capture of Jerusalem, Allenby, to relieve his right, assigned us a limited objective.”
Following the fall of Jerusalem, General Allenby gave the Arab forces a restricted mission to ease pressure on his right flank.
Sets the strategic context for the Dead Sea campaign.
“I had a misunderstanding with Zeid, threw in my hand, and returned to Palestine reporting that we had failed, and asking the favour of other employment.”
Lawrence quarreled with Sherif Zeid, resigned his command, and went back to Palestine to admit defeat and request a different assignment.
Key personal conflict leading to Lawrence's temporary withdrawal.
“Allenby was in the hopeful midst of a great scheme for the coming spring. He sent me back at once to Feisal with new powers and duties.”
Allenby, optimistic about a major spring offensive, immediately dispatched Lawrence back to Emir Feisal with expanded authority and responsibilities.
Allenby's confidence and strategic planning override Lawrence's personal crisis.