# CXIX explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom > Chapter companion for Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence. ## What happens The chapter describes the Allied entry into Damascus, the climax of the Arab Revolt. Lawrence, Nasir, and the Arab forces coordinate with the British under Allenby to ensure a peaceful transition of power. The city erupts in celebration, but internal conflicts arise as the Algerian brothers Abd el Kader and Mohammed Said attempt to seize control. Lawrence mediates a violent confrontation between Auda abu Tayi and Sultan el Atrash, and works with Shukri el Ayubi to establish a native government. The chapter ends with Lawrence negotiating with General Chauvel over the formalities of the British entry. ## Themes in this chapter ### Honor and Deception The conflict between Auda and Sultan el Atrash over personal honor, and the political maneuvering between Lawrence, Chauvel, and the Algerian brothers, highlight themes of honor and deception. ### Futility and Meaning Lawrence reflects on the cost of freedom as Damascus burns, and the chaotic yet joyful entry into the city underscores the meaning of the struggle. ### Colonialism and Imperialism The negotiations between Lawrence and Chauvel over the flag and the formal entry reveal underlying tensions between Arab self-rule and British imperial control. ## Character check-ins ### T.E. Lawrence Narrates the entry into Damascus, mediates conflicts, and coordinates with British and Arab leaders. ### Sherif Nasir Leads the Arab forces into Damascus and is given the honor of the first entry. ### Auda abu Tayi Engages in a violent confrontation with Sultan el Atrash, restrained by Lawrence and others. ### Shukri el Ayubi Acts as acting governor, helps form the new government, and is a key figure in the transition. ### Emir Abd el Kader el Jezairi Attempts to seize control of the government with his brother Mohammed Said, causing tension. ### Nuri Shaalan Supports Nasir and helps coordinate the Rualla forces in Damascus. ### General Allenby Mentioned as the strategic genius behind the victory, whose trust and planning enabled the Arab entry. ### General Chauvel Negotiates with Lawrence over the formal British entry into Damascus, eventually agrees to a march-through. ## Key lines > Damascus was the climax of our two years’ uncertainty, and my mind was distracted by tags of all the ideas which had been used or rejected in that time. Damascus represented the culmination of two years of doubt, and Lawrence's thoughts were scattered with fragments of every plan considered or discarded. _Reflects Lawrence's mental state at the moment of victory._ > Damascus is burning, sick to think of the great town in ashes as the price of freedom. Lawrence feared the city was being destroyed as the cost of liberation. _Highlights the tension between victory and destruction._ > The old man had been hit first, by Sultan, and his ungovernable spirit, drunk with a lifetime’s wine of self-will, raved to wash out the insult in Druse blood. Auda, struck first by Sultan, was consumed by rage and a lifelong pride that demanded revenge in Druse blood. _Describes the intense personal conflict between Auda and Sultan el Atrash._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/cxix - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters