# CXV explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom

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

## What happens

Lawrence and the Arab forces decide to march to Sheikh Saad to cut off the Turkish Fourth Army's retreat from Deraa to Damascus, despite internal debate about the risks. After a successful attack on the railway near Mafrak, they prepare to cross the line, with Lawrence insisting on pressing forward for strategic and political reasons.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Guerrilla Tactics

The chapter details the strategic decision to cut off the Turkish retreat, the use of armoured cars and aircraft, and the guerrilla-style harassment of the enemy.

### Futility and Meaning

Lawrence reflects on the purpose of the campaign, arguing that pressing forward is necessary for Arab honour and the war's end, despite the risks and opposition.

### Honor and Deception

Lawrence is 'jealous for the Arab honour' and insists on continuing the advance, while also using deception (e.g., pretending to sleep) to manage dissent.

## Character check-ins

### T.E. Lawrence

Leads the decision to march to Sheikh Saad, argues for continuing the advance despite opposition, and plans to cross the railway with his bodyguard.

### Sherif Nasir

Supports the move to Sheikh Saad and is involved in the council deciding the next steps.

### Nuri Shaalan

Gives his nod to the plan and leads the Rualla horse to delay the Turkish pursuit.

### Tallal

Seconded Lawrence's proposal with fervour and leads the Hauran horse in the rearguard action.

### Nuri Said

Participates in the council, pretends to sleep during debate, but later asks Lawrence if the plan is true.

### Lord Winterton

Accompanies Lawrence on the car reconnaissance and later debates the wisdom of crossing the railway.

### Captain Pisani

States he will follow orders despite his doubts, and is part of the debate about the march.

### Joyce

Mentioned as having appointed Sabin as military adviser to the expedition.

## Key lines

> This attitude passed me by, since, if we withdrew to Jebel Druse, we ended our active service before the game was won, leaving the last brunt on Allenby. I was very jealous for the Arab honour, in whose service I would go forward at all costs.

Lawrence rejects the idea of retreating to Jebel Druse, arguing that it would mean ending their active role before victory, and he is determined to continue for the sake of Arab honor.

_Lawrence's motivation to push forward despite the risks._

> It cut off Deraa from Damascus; and Mezerib also. Tallal seconded me with fervour. Nuri Shaalan gave his nod: Nasir and Nuri Said.

The position at Sheikh Saad would block the Turkish retreat from Deraa to Damascus, and key Arab leaders supported the plan.

_Strategic importance of Sheikh Saad and the consensus among leaders._

## Links

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