Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
XCI explained
Lawrence is summoned to a conference with Allenby and Clayton, where he learns of the War Cabinet's decision to intensify the Eastern campaign.
What happens
Lawrence is summoned to a conference with Allenby and Clayton, where he learns of the War Cabinet's decision to intensify the Eastern campaign. He agrees to resume his role with the Arab forces, and a joint plan is devised: the Arab Army will take Maan while the British cross the Jordan to occupy Salt and destroy the railway. Lawrence returns to Feisal to negotiate new terms, securing funds and transport, and warns that Tafileh is no longer strategically important.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
The joint British-Arab plan to take Maan and cut the railway exemplifies coordinated guerrilla and conventional warfare.
Honor and Deception
Lawrence resumes his 'mantle of fraud,' acknowledging the manipulative role he plays in the Arab cause.
Colonialism and Imperialism
The War Cabinet's strategic decisions and Allenby's command reflect British imperial interests in the Middle East.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Reluctantly resumes his role as liaison, negotiates new terms with Feisal, and coordinates the joint British-Arab plan.
- Emir Feisal
Distressed by the loss of Tafileh but reconciled after Lawrence explains the strategic shift toward Maan and Amman.
- General Allenby
Directs the conference, orders support for the Arab Army, and plans the British advance across the Jordan.
- General Clayton
Present at the breakfast meeting where Lawrence learns of the new strategic situation.
- Sherif Zeid
Left in charge at Tafileh; Lawrence warns him of the coming Turkish retaking of the town.
- General Bols
Participates in the Corps Conference, suggesting the Arab forces join the British advance.
Key passages
“With my certain contempt for half-measures I took it up quickly and wrapped myself in it completely. It might be fraud or it might be farce: no one should say that I could not play it.”
Lawrence decides to fully embrace his role as a deceiver, determined to perform it convincingly whether it is a fraud or a farce.
Lawrence's internal conflict and commitment to his assigned part in the Arab Revolt.
“I told him I thought they had treated me badly, in diverting without my knowledge money of the special account which, by agreement, I had drawn solely for the Dead Sea campaign.”
Lawrence complains to Feisal that funds meant for the Dead Sea campaign were misused without his consent.
Lawrence's grievance over financial mismanagement and its impact on his trust.
“The two interests were the extremes of his area, Amman and Maan. Tafileh was not worth losing a man over; indeed, if the Turks moved there, they would weaken either Maan or Amman, and make our real work easier.”
Lawrence explains that the strategic priorities are Amman and Maan, and that losing Tafileh could actually benefit the Arab cause by drawing Turkish forces away.
Lawrence's strategic reassessment of Tafileh's value in the broader campaign.