Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
CXXII explained
Lawrence oversees the stabilization of Damascus after its capture, dealing with the hospital's horrific conditions and political tensions.
What happens
Lawrence oversees the stabilization of Damascus after its capture, dealing with the hospital's horrific conditions and political tensions. He is relieved when General Allenby arrives, confirms the Arab government, and grants Lawrence leave to depart.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Endurance
Lawrence's efforts to clean the hospital and bury the dead highlight the immense suffering and his endurance amid horrific conditions.
Honor and Deception
Lawrence reflects on the moral stain of leading a rebellion, feeling unclean despite success, and the tension between honor and the means used.
Futility and Meaning
Lawrence's laughter at being cursed for the hospital's state and his sense of relief when Allenby resolves difficulties suggest a search for meaning amid chaos.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Reflects on the aftermath of Damascus's capture, manages the hospital, and interacts with Allenby and Feisal.
- General Allenby
Arrives in Damascus, approves Lawrence's provisional Arab government, and grants Lawrence permission to leave.
- Emir Feisal
Arrives by special train from Deraa, meets Allenby for the first time in victory, and is recognized as army commander.
- Captain Pisani
Arrives in Damascus, bewildered by the political situation, clinging to military duty.
- General Chauvel
Refuses to take over the hospital initially, but later thanks Lawrence for his help.
- General Clayton
Present with Allenby during the meeting at the hotel.
Key passages
“By morning, after the sudden fashion of troubles, they were ended and our ship sailing under a clear sky.”
The problems of the previous night resolved as quickly as they had arisen, and by morning the situation was calm.
Lawrence describes the rapid resolution of political turmoil in Damascus.
“I hooted out again, and he smacked me over the face and stalked off, leaving me more ashamed than angry, for in my heart I felt he was right, and that anyone who pushed through to success a rebellion of the weak against their masters must come out of it so stained in estimation that afterward nothing in the world would make him feel clean.”
Lawrence laughs hysterically at a major's criticism, is slapped, and feels the major was justified, believing that leading a rebellion inevitably leaves one morally tainted.
Lawrence reflects on the moral cost of his role in the Arab Revolt.
“In ten minutes all the maddening difficulties had slipped away. Mistily I realised that the harsh days of my solitary battling had passed. The lone hand had won against the world’s odds, and I might let my limbs relax in this dreamlike confidence and decision and kindness which were Allenby.”
Allenby's arrival resolves all of Lawrence's administrative problems in minutes, and Lawrence feels his long struggle is finally over.
Lawrence expresses relief and admiration for Allenby's decisive action.