Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
CXX explained
Lawrence and the Arab leadership work frantically to establish a functional Arab government in Damascus after the Turkish withdrawal, facing administrative chaos, political intrigue, and the threat of Allied intervention.
What happens
Lawrence and the Arab leadership work frantically to establish a functional Arab government in Damascus after the Turkish withdrawal, facing administrative chaos, political intrigue, and the threat of Allied intervention. Lawrence deposes the Algerian faction, appoints Shukri Pasha as governor, and oversees the rapid organization of police, sanitation, utilities, and food distribution, all while managing tensions with General Chauvel's forces.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Deception
Lawrence manipulates the political situation, using threats of British troops and tribal alliances to depose the Algerian faction, while acknowledging the façade of the hastily constructed government.
Futility and Meaning
Lawrence reflects on the sorrow and meaninglessness of the victory for himself, contrasting the joy of the Damascenes with his own loneliness and the bitter taste of political compromise.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Acts as deputy for Feisal, deposes Abd el Kader and Mohammed Said, and orchestrates the provisional government.
- Nuri Shaalan
Offers the support of the Rualla tribe and helps close the debate against the Algerians.
- Nuri Said
Appointed Commandant of troops, organizes police, scavenger gangs, and emergency services.
- Auda abu Tayi
Restrains Abd el Kader when he draws a dagger, showing his fierce loyalty.
- Sherif Nasir
Present but overwhelmed by the political conflict between Lawrence and the Algerians.
- Stirling
One of the British officers backing the Arab administration.
Key passages
“Our aim was a façade rather than a fitted building. It was run up so furiously well that when I left Damascus on October the fourth the Syrians had their de facto Government, which endured for two years, without foreign advice, in an occupied country wasted by war, and against the will of important elements among the Allies.”
We built a superficial government quickly, not a solid one, but it lasted two years without foreign help despite the war damage and Allied opposition.
Lawrence acknowledges the provisional nature of the Arab administration.
“The clamour hushed, as everyone seemed to obey the call to prayer on this their first night of perfect freedom. While my fancy, in the overwhelming pause, showed me my loneliness and lack of reason in their movement: since only for me, of all the hearers, was the event sorrowful and the phrase meaningless.”
The city fell silent for prayer on their first night of freedom, but Lawrence felt isolated and sorrowful, as the victory held no meaning for him.
Lawrence's personal alienation from the triumph he helped achieve.