# XXVII explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom

> Chapter companion for Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T. E. Lawrence.

## What happens

The Arab army advances on Wejh, finding the town already taken by Saleh ibn Shefia's men after a costly assault. Lawrence reflects on the unnecessary casualties and destruction, contrasting the military perspective with his own view that every death is a personal loss. The chapter details the aftermath, including looting, the landing of supplies, and Feisal's appointment of Maulud as governor to restore order. The capture of Wejh marks a turning point, securing the Arab movement's position in Western Arabia.

## Themes in this chapter

### War and Guerrilla Tactics

The assault on Wejh demonstrates the evolving tactics of the Arab army, including open-order advances and the use of local knowledge, while Lawrence critiques the necessity of direct confrontation.

### Suffering and Endurance

The casualties and destruction in Wejh highlight the human cost of war, with Lawrence mourning the loss of friends and the wanton damage to the town.

### Honor and Deception

Lawrence's reflection on the 'profitable rumours' and the contrast between military gain and personal loss touches on the deceptive nature of war and the ethics of leadership.

## Character check-ins

### T.E. Lawrence

Narrates the assault on Wejh, expressing regret over unnecessary casualties and reflecting on the cost of the victory.

### Emir Feisal

Warned the townspeople of the attack and later appointed Maulud as Town-governor to stop looting.

### Saleh ibn Shefia

His son led the capture of Wejh, reporting nearly twenty casualties.

### Maulud el Mukhlus

Appointed Town-governor of Wejh by Feisal, restored order through harsh measures.

### Old Dakhil-Allah

Commanded the Ageyl during the advance, maintaining orderly discipline.

### Vickery

Directed the battle and was satisfied with the outcome, though Lawrence disagreed.

## Key lines

> To me an unnecessary action, or shot, or casualty, was not only waste but sin.

Lawrence considers any avoidable violence or loss of life to be morally wrong, not just wasteful.

_Expresses Lawrence's personal ethics against the professional military view._

> Our rebels were not materials, like soldiers, but friends of ours, trusting our leadership.

Lawrence sees the Arab fighters as personal comrades, not expendable resources.

_Highlights the bond between Lawrence and the Arab forces._

> The two hundred Turks in Wejh had no transport and no food, and if left alone a few days must have surrendered.

The Turkish garrison was already doomed by lack of supplies, making the assault unnecessary.

_Lawrence's critique of the tactical decision to attack._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters/xxvii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/seven_pillars_of_wisdom_se/chapters