Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
VI explained
Lawrence reflects on the missed opportunities for an Arab uprising in Mesopotamia, criticizes British military strategy, and describes the formation of the 'Intrusive' group in Cairo that worked to foster Arab independence.
What happens
Lawrence reflects on the missed opportunities for an Arab uprising in Mesopotamia, criticizes British military strategy, and describes the formation of the 'Intrusive' group in Cairo that worked to foster Arab independence.
Themes in this chapter
Colonialism and Imperialism
Lawrence critiques British imperial policy in Mesopotamia, contrasting it with Allenby's approach in Syria, and highlights the detrimental effect of treating the region as a colony.
Futility and Meaning
Lawrence reflects on the missed opportunities and the tragic waste of the Arab potential due to British blunders, such as the failure to support the Arab movement in Mesopotamia.
Identity and Betrayal
The 'Intrusive' group's mission to build a new people in the East is contrasted with the betrayal of Arab hopes by British policy, exemplified by the broken negotiations with Aziz el Masri.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrator; sent to Mesopotamia to aid Kut but found it too late; reflects on British failures and the ideal conditions for an Arab movement.
- General Clayton
Chief of Intelligence in Egypt; described as the perfect leader for the 'wild men' of the Arab bureau, calm and influential.
- Ronald Storrs
Oriental Secretary; the most brilliant Englishman in the Near East, who sowed what others reaped.
- George Lloyd
Member of the group; provided confidence and knowledge of money, a guide through trade and politics.
- Hogarth
Mentor and father confessor to the group; brought historical parallels, moderation, and courage.
- Colonel Newcombe
One of the 'Intrusive' band, laboring stoutly for the Arab cause.
- Sir Henry McMahon
High Commissioner in Egypt; understood and supported the Arab independence design, achieving the understanding with the Sherif of Mecca.
- Aziz el Masri
Idol of Arab officers; approached by Lord Kitchener but negotiations were broken off by the Indian Government.
Key passages
“The conditions were ideal for an Arab movement. The people of Nejef and Kerbela, far in the rear of Halil Pasha’s army, were in revolt against him. The surviving Arabs in Halil’s army were, on his own confession, openly disloyal to Turkey.”
Lawrence believed the situation was perfect for an Arab uprising: the cities of Nejef and Kerbela were rebelling behind Turkish lines, and even the Arab soldiers in the Turkish army were disloyal.
Lawrence's assessment of the missed opportunity for an Arab revolt in Mesopotamia.
“We called ourselves 'Intrusive' as a band; for we meant to break into the accepted halls of English foreign policy, and build a new people in the East, despite the rails laid down for us by our ancestors.”
The group of British officers in Cairo called themselves 'Intrusive' because they intended to disrupt traditional British foreign policy and create a new Arab nation in the Middle East.
Description of the 'Intrusive' group's mission and self-identity.
“Clayton made the perfect leader for such a band of wild men as we were. He was calm, detached, clear-sighted, of unconscious courage in assuming responsibility.”
Clayton was an ideal leader for the unruly group because he was composed, objective, perceptive, and naturally brave in taking charge.
Lawrence's praise of Clayton's leadership qualities.
