Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
CXVII explained
Lawrence recounts the aftermath of the capture of Deraa, including the brutal Turkish massacre at Tafas, the pursuit of the retreating Turkish column, and the chaotic night fighting.
What happens
Lawrence recounts the aftermath of the capture of Deraa, including the brutal Turkish massacre at Tafas, the pursuit of the retreating Turkish column, and the chaotic night fighting. He also describes his tense initial meeting with General Barrow, the contrast between British and Indian troops, and the emotional toll of the violence.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Endurance
The chapter vividly depicts the physical and psychological suffering of civilians, soldiers, and Lawrence himself, from the Tafas massacre to the relentless night pursuit.
Honor and Deception
Lawrence contrasts Barrow's formal salute with the Indian troopers' theft, and explores the moral complexities of honor, revenge, and brutality in war.
Futility and Meaning
Lawrence questions the value of fear as a motivator and reflects on the senseless violence and death, yet finds a grim pride in the German soldiers' discipline.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrator and protagonist; reflects on fear, confronts Barrow, leads the pursuit after the Tafas massacre, and struggles with exhaustion and trauma.
- General Barrow
British general with whom Lawrence has a tense ideological clash; later salutes Nasir's pennon, showing respect for the Arab forces.
- Sherif Nasir
His silk pennon is saluted by Barrow; later works to keep peace in the camp after the massacre.
- Tallal
Leader of Tafas; becomes frantic upon learning of the Turkish atrocities in his village and is killed during the fighting.
- Auda abu Tayi
Rides with the advancing forces before the attack on the Turkish column near Tafas.
- Nuri Said
Present with Pisani during the Tafas engagement; later helps maintain order in the camp.
Key passages
“I had studied Barrow and was ready for him. Years before, he had published his confession of faith in Fear as the common people’s main incentive to action in war and peace. Now I found fear a mean, overrated motive; no deterrent, and, though a stimulant, a poisonous stimulant, whose every injection served to consume more of the system to which it was applied.”
Lawrence had researched Barrow's belief that fear drives people, but he disagrees, seeing fear as a destructive and unsustainable motivator.
Lawrence articulates his philosophical opposition to Barrow's tactics, setting the stage for their tense relationship.
“The best of you brings me the most Turkish dead”
Lawrence incites his men to kill as many Turks as possible in revenge for the Tafas massacre.
This quote captures Lawrence's descent into a brutal, vengeful mindset after witnessing the atrocities.
“They were two thousand miles from home, without hope and without guides, in conditions mad enough to break the bravest nerves. Yet their sections held together, in firm rank, sheering through the wrack of Turk and Arab like armoured ships, high-faced and silent. There was no haste, no crying, no hesitation. They were glorious.”
Lawrence admires the discipline and courage of the German soldiers despite their hopeless situation, calling them glorious.
Lawrence expresses a rare moment of respect for the enemy, highlighting the contrast with the chaotic Arab and Turkish forces.