# CXVIII explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom

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

## What happens

Lawrence describes the final approach to Damascus, the pursuit of the retreating Turkish Fourth Army, and his reflections on the nature of soldiers and war. He coordinates with Barrow and Chauvel, meets Nasir and Nuri Shaalan, and witnesses the destruction of the Turkish column. The chapter ends with Lawrence's meditation on the uniformed soldiers and his own alienation from them.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Endurance

Lawrence reflects on the two years of effort, the misery forgotten or glorified, and the toll of war on the men.

### Futility and Meaning

Lawrence's meditation on soldiers as 'death's livery' and the degradation of military service contrasts with the Arab irregulars' freedom.

### Culture and Otherness

Lawrence feels alienated from the British and Australian soldiers, noting the differences in smell, demeanor, and spirit between them and the Arabs.

## Character check-ins

### T.E. Lawrence

Narrates the chapter; drives to Damascus, coordinates with Barrow and Gregory, reflects on soldiers and his own role.

### General Barrow

Leads the Indian division; Lawrence interacts with him regarding the advance on Damascus.

### Sherif Nasir

Leading the Arab pursuit of the Turkish column; meets Lawrence near Kiswe.

### Nuri Shaalan

Rides with Nasir; commands the Rualla in the pursuit.

### Auda abu Tayi

Sets an ambush behind Jebel Mania; engages in the final battle against the Turks.

### Stirling

Travels with Lawrence in the Blue Mist; assists in coordinating with British forces.

## Key lines

> The essence of the desert was the lonely moving individual, the son of the road, apart from the world as in a grave.

Lawrence believes the desert's true nature is the solitary traveler, isolated from the world.

_Reflects his preference for the Bedouin way of life over the massed armies._

> This death's livery which walled its bearers from ordinary life, was sign that they had sold their wills and bodies to the State.

The uniform marks soldiers as having surrendered their autonomy to the state.

_Lawrence critiques the dehumanizing effect of military discipline._

## Links

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