# CV explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom

> Chapter companion for Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence.

## What happens

Lawrence and Buxton's Camel Corps, after a failed bridge demolition attempt near Amman due to Turkish presence and risk of casualties, retreat to Azrak. The chapter describes their night marches, encounters with wildlife, visits to historical sites like Kharaneh and Kusair el Amra, and the tragic accidental death of Lieutenant Rowan.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Endurance

The men endure harsh conditions, including heat, dust, and long marches, with iron rations exhausted and water scarce.

### Futility and Meaning

The aborted bridge raid and the men's disappointment reflect the futility of the effort, while the tour of ancient ruins offers a search for meaning.

### War and Guerrilla Tactics

Lawrence uses deception, night marches, and local knowledge to evade and mislead the Turks, typical of guerrilla warfare.

## Character check-ins

### T.E. Lawrence

Narrator and leader, guides the Camel Corps, decides to abort the bridge raid.

### Colonel Buxton

Commands the Camel Corps, agrees to call off the attack to avoid casualties.

### Joyce

Reported at Aba el Lissan that preparations were complete.

### Guy Dawnay

At Aba el Lissan, preparing to report to Allenby.

### Saleh ibn Shefia

Sent to spread rumors among the villagers to mislead the Turks.

### Sagr ibn Shaalan

Old ally who guides the Camel Corps to Bair wells.

## Key lines

> I determined to go into Aba el Lissan with the armoured cars, for Buxton was now on proved ground among friends, and could do without my help.

Lawrence decided to travel to Aba el Lissan with the armoured cars because Buxton was now in familiar territory and didn't need his assistance.

_Lawrence's decision to leave Buxton reflects his trust in Buxton's ability to operate independently._

> The destruction of the bridge would have gained us a fortnight. We waited till dusk was thick, and then rode off for Azrak, fifty miles away.

Blowing up the bridge would have bought us two weeks of time. We waited until it was fully dark, then rode fifty miles to Azrak.

_The decision to abort the raid was based on the cost-benefit analysis of casualties versus time gained._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters