Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
IX explained
Lawrence describes the stifling, ancient atmosphere of Jidda and the peculiar social and political interactions between the British envoys and Sherif Abdulla.
What happens
Lawrence describes the stifling, ancient atmosphere of Jidda and the peculiar social and political interactions between the British envoys and Sherif Abdulla. The chapter includes a surreal evening where a captured Turkish band plays discordant music, and Lawrence reflects on Abdulla's flawed plan for the Arab revolt, which solidifies his growing belief that Feisal is the necessary leader.
Themes in this chapter
Honor and Deception
Abdulla's plan to take pilgrims hostage reveals a deceptive strategy, while the diplomatic pleasantries mask underlying tensions.
Culture and Otherness
The discordant Turkish band, the surreal telephone concert, and the alien atmosphere of Jidda highlight cultural clashes and misunderstandings.
Futility and Meaning
Lawrence finds the diplomatic talks tedious and the band's music a 'death march,' suggesting a sense of emptiness and disillusionment.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrator; observes Abdulla critically and begins to favor Feisal as the leader.
- Sherif Abdulla
Hosts Storrs and Lawrence; reveals his scheme for the Arab revolt, which Lawrence dislikes.
- Ronald Storrs
Oriental Secretary; engages in diplomatic talks with Abdulla and smooths over awkward moments.
- Colonel Wilson
Governor of the Red Sea Province; hosts the dinner for Abdulla.
- Aziz el Masri
Chief of Staff of the Arab regular army; present at the dinner, comments on the music.
- Sherif Hussein
Arranges for the band to play via telephone; communicates with Storrs.
Key passages
“It was tedious, and for the most part I held myself excused, as after a conversation in the morning I had made up my mind that Abdulla was not the necessary leader.”
Lawrence found the diplomatic talks boring and excused himself, having already concluded that Abdulla was not the right leader for the Arab cause.
Lawrence's early assessment of Abdulla's leadership.
“I did not like his scheme, and was glad when he said with almost a sneer that Feisal in fear had begged his father not to follow it.”
Lawrence disapproved of Abdulla's hostage plan and was relieved to hear that Feisal had opposed it, which raised Feisal in his estimation.
Contrast between Abdulla and Feisal's approaches.
“Sayed Ali turned to Abdulla and said, 'It is a death march.' Abdulla's eyes widened; but Storrs who spoke in quickly to the rescue turned the moment to laughter.”
When Sayed Ali called the band's music a death march, Abdulla was startled, but Storrs defused the tension with humor.
Cultural misunderstanding and diplomatic quick thinking.