Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
LXXXIV explained
The chapter describes the Arab forces' operations from Akaba and Guweira during a winter pause, focusing on the capture of Jurf station and the subsequent occupation of Tafileh.
What happens
The chapter describes the Arab forces' operations from Akaba and Guweira during a winter pause, focusing on the capture of Jurf station and the subsequent occupation of Tafileh. It details the raid led by Sherif Nasir and Nuri Said, the looting of Turkish supplies, the tense factional dynamics among Arab tribes, and the arrival of Sherif Zeid to take command. The harsh winter conditions and the moral decay at the base are also highlighted.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
The capture of Jurf station and the occupation of Tafileh demonstrate effective guerrilla raids, including night marches, surprise attacks, and the use of local terrain.
Honor and Deception
Auda's bold display of honor by riding alone to challenge the villagers, and the use of bluff and intimidation to secure surrender.
Suffering and Endurance
The extreme winter conditions and lack of supplies cause severe hardship for Arab troops, highlighting their endurance.
Futility and Meaning
The moral corruption at the Akaba base and the factional infighting at Tafileh suggest the futility and chaos underlying the campaign.
Characters to notice
- Sherif Nasir
Led the attack on Jurf station and later summoned Tafileh to surrender.
- Nuri Said
Chief of staff commanding regulars, gunners, and machine-gunners during the Jurf raid.
- Auda abu Tayi
Rode out alone to intimidate the villagers of Tafileh; later sent back to the desert by Zeid.
- Sherif Zeid
Feisal's half-brother, delegated to command the push toward the Dead Sea; arrived at Tafileh to restore order.
- Jaafar Pasha
General and adviser to Zeid; rode with Zeid to Tafileh.
- Maulud el Mukhlus
Keeping watch in the mist and rain at the plateau near Guweira.
- Emir Feisal
Sent cigarettes to the Medina garrison; delegated command to Zeid.
- Sherif Mastur
Led the Motalga horse and foot toward Tafileh; helped divide the village with Nasir.
Key passages
“Remote from the fighting line, in Akaba, during this pause we saw the reverse of the shield, the corruption of our enthusiasm, which made the moral condition of the base unsatisfactory.”
Away from the front in Akaba, we witnessed the dark side of our fervor, as the base's morale deteriorated.
Lawrence reflects on the moral decay at the base during a lull in fighting.
“When they realised it was that implacable son of war their hearts failed them, and an hour later Sherif Nasir in the town-house was sipping tea with his guest the Turkish Governor, trying to console him for the sudden change of fortune.”
Upon recognizing Auda, the villagers lost courage, and soon Nasir was drinking tea with the Turkish Governor, offering condolences for his reversal of fortune.
Auda's reputation alone caused the surrender of Tafileh, leading to a surreal scene of civility.