Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
XCVI explained
Nasir attacks Hesa station and destroys Faraifra station, while Lawrence observes the brutal aftermath of an aerial bombing and a strange ritual among his men.
What happens
Nasir attacks Hesa station and destroys Faraifra station, while Lawrence observes the brutal aftermath of an aerial bombing and a strange ritual among his men. The chapter highlights the ongoing guerrilla campaign against the Hejaz Railway and the psychological toll of war.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
Nasir's coordinated attacks on railway stations and the use of demolition teams exemplify effective guerrilla warfare.
Suffering and Endurance
The graphic description of a man dying from bomb wounds and the ritualistic thorn-stabbing highlight the physical and psychological suffering endured.
Characters to notice
- Sherif Nasir
Leads the attack on Hesa and Faraifra stations, commands six hundred men, and maintains activity against the railway.
- T.E. Lawrence
Narrates the chapter, travels to Hesa to observe demolition work, and witnesses the bombing aftermath.
- Auda abu Tayi
Present with Lawrence near the valley during the aerial bombing.
- Peake
Works with Hornby to demolish railway infrastructure, including wells, bridges, and rolling stock.
- Nawaf el Faiz
Brother of Mithgal, head of the Beni Sakhr; described as shifty and prideful; previously helped Lawrence escape an ambush.
Key passages
“A faceless man, spraying blood from a fringe of red flesh about his neck, stumbled screaming towards our rocks.”
A man with his face torn off and blood gushing from his neck staggered toward the rocks, screaming.
Lawrence describes the horrific aftermath of a bomb strike.
“The disgust of being touched revolted me more than the thought of death and defeat”
Lawrence finds the idea of physical contact more repulsive than the prospect of dying or losing.
Lawrence reflects on his personal aversion to physical struggle.