Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
CVI explained
Feisal faces a crisis when King Hussein publishes a proclamation undermining his authority and the status of his officers, leading to resignations and a halt in military operations.
What happens
Feisal faces a crisis when King Hussein publishes a proclamation undermining his authority and the status of his officers, leading to resignations and a halt in military operations. Lawrence works to restore morale, manage logistics for the Deraa expedition, and navigate the political rift between Feisal and his father, ultimately securing a partial apology from Hussein and allowing the campaign to proceed.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Deception
Lawrence manipulates the cipher telegrams to present a softened apology to Feisal, preserving honor while deceiving the entourage about the full content.
Futility and Meaning
The crisis threatens to derail the entire campaign, underscoring the fragility of the revolt and the meaninglessness of internal squabbles in the face of larger goals.
Identity and Betrayal
King Hussein's proclamation betrays Feisal and the northern officers, highlighting conflicting loyalties and the struggle for identity within the Arab movement.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Manages the crisis, sends messages to Nuri Shaalan, organizes caravans, calms mutinous troops, and orchestrates the resolution of the feud between Feisal and King Hussein.
- Emir Feisal
Faces humiliation from his father's proclamation, offers to resign, and later accepts a partial apology, rallying his forces for the advance on Deraa.
- Jaafar Pasha
Proffers his resignation after the proclamation, but is persuaded by Feisal and Lawrence to continue.
- Sherif Zeid
Appointed by Hussein to succeed Feisal but promptly refuses the command.
- Nuri Said
Ambitious officer who agrees to move the army to Azrak pending Hussein's apology, helping restore order.
- Guy Dawnay
Inquires from Akaba about the crisis and receives Lawrence's cautious optimism.
- Stirling
Uses tact to restore confidence among the officers and troops during the mutiny.
- Joyce
Returns from Egypt and accompanies Feisal to Azrak after the crisis is resolved.
Key passages
“The telegraph has saved all our honour.”
Feisal declares that the telegram containing Hussein's apology has restored everyone's honor.
Feisal's public statement after reading the doctored apology, masking the ongoing deception.
“I mean the honour of nearly all of us.”
Feisal whispers to Lawrence that the honor is preserved for nearly everyone, hinting at Lawrence's manipulation.
Feisal acknowledges Lawrence's role in altering the message, showing their complicity.
“You prefer mine always before your own.”
Feisal remarks that Lawrence consistently prioritizes Feisal's honor over his own.
A moment of personal gratitude and recognition of Lawrence's loyalty.