Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
LVIII explained
Lawrence reflects on the strategic pause before Feisal's army arrives, contemplating the shift from desert warfare to the complex political and social landscape of Syria.
What happens
Lawrence reflects on the strategic pause before Feisal's army arrives, contemplating the shift from desert warfare to the complex political and social landscape of Syria. He maps the diverse ethnic and religious groups of the region, analyzing how these divisions must be navigated for the Arab Revolt to succeed in its new phase under General Allenby.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Imperialism
Lawrence analyzes the Ottoman and European influences on Syria's diverse populations, including German-inspired Jewish colonies and Circassian settlers loyal to the Turks.
Culture and Otherness
The chapter extensively details the distinct cultures, religions, and languages of Syrian communities, highlighting their mutual suspicions and conflicts.
Futility and Meaning
Lawrence reflects on the need to give tangible expression to abstract ideals, contrasting the ephemeral 'desert grass' of tribal nationalism with the enduring structures of settled life.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrator and strategist, reflecting on the war's progress and planning the campaign in Syria.
- Emir Feisal
Leader of the Arab army, whose arrival is awaited to continue the campaign.
- Jaafar Pasha
Military commander accompanying Feisal.
- Joyce
British officer with Feisal's army.
- General Allenby
Joint Commander-in-Chief under whom Feisal's army will now serve.
Key passages
“At Wejh the Hejaz war was won: after Akaba it was ended.”
The Arab Revolt's desert phase concluded with the capture of Wejh and Akaba, marking a strategic turning point.
Lawrence declares the Hejaz campaign complete, setting the stage for the Syrian campaign.
“The difference between Hejaz and Syria was the difference between the desert and the sown.”
The transition from desert warfare to the settled, complex society of Syria required a fundamental change in approach.
Highlights the shift from nomadic to agricultural/urban warfare and politics.
“Among the tribes our creed could be only like the desert grass—a beautiful swift seeming of spring; which, after a day's heat, fell dusty.”
The nationalist ideals of the desert tribes were fleeting and insubstantial, unlike the enduring structures of settled communities.
Lawrence contrasts the ephemeral nature of tribal loyalty with the need for lasting political institutions.