# CVII explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom

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

## What happens

Lawrence, Nasir, and Winterton travel by Rolls-Royce from Azrak to Akaba, enjoying the comfort of modern transport after years of harsh desert riding. They establish a camp at Azrak, where they prepare for the final advance on Damascus. Lawrence reflects on the strategic feint against Amman and the real plan to cut the Deraa railways. The chapter details the arrival of reinforcements, including armored cars, aeroplanes, and Feisal's army, and the careful planning for the upcoming campaign.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Guerrilla Tactics

Lawrence details the strategic feint against Amman and the real plan to cut the Deraa railways, showcasing guerrilla warfare.

### Suffering and Endurance

Lawrence contrasts the comfort of modern transport with the harshness of past desert rides, highlighting endurance.

### Futility and Meaning

Lawrence reflects on the planning and execution of war, noting that even generals do not truly win battles; the meaning is found in the collective effort.

## Character check-ins

### T.E. Lawrence

Narrator and strategist, enjoying the comfort of the Rolls-Royce and planning the final campaign.

### Sherif Nasir

Travels with Lawrence and Winterton; chosen for fieldwork and honored for his past service.

### Lord Winterton

Newly recruited officer from Buxton's Camel Corps, accompanies Lawrence and Nasir.

### Emir Feisal

Arrives at Azrak with the army, including Nuri Said and Pisani's Algerians.

### Nuri Said

Arrives with Feisal, described as spick and span.

### Joyce

Drives in with armoured cars and Stirling.

### Stirling

Arrives with Joyce and the armoured cars.

### Captain Pisani

His Algerians are part of Feisal's arriving army.

## Key lines

> It was an inexpressible pleasure to have left the mists behind.

Leaving the mists behind brought immense joy.

_Lawrence expresses relief at leaving the foggy conditions._

> I am happy, said he. We were all happy.

Nasir said he was happy, and everyone felt the same.

_A moment of shared contentment at Azrak._

> The Syrian campaign of September 1918 was perhaps the most scientifically perfect in English history, one in which force did least and brain most.

The September 1918 Syrian campaign was arguably the most scientifically perfect in English history, relying more on intellect than force.

_Lawrence praises the strategic brilliance of the campaign._

## Links

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