# XXXII explained — Seven Pillars of Wisdom

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

## What happens

Lawrence, suffering from fever and exhaustion, leads a grueling journey through the Hejaz mountains and lava fields to deliver Feisal's documents to Sherif Abdulla. The chapter describes the harsh terrain, the hospitality of Sheikh Fahad el Hansha, and Lawrence's physical breakdown upon reaching Abdulla's camp.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Endurance

Lawrence endures extreme physical pain, fever, and exhaustion during the arduous journey.

### Culture and Otherness

Lawrence reflects on Arab customs, including their medical practices and hospitality, highlighting cultural differences.

## Character check-ins

### T.E. Lawrence

Narrator, feverish and weak, struggles through the journey and delivers Feisal's message to Sherif Abdulla.

### Emir Feisal

Sent Lawrence with documents regarding the situation in Medina and the need to block the railway.

### Sherif Abdulla

Met at Abu Markha; Lawrence delivers Feisal's documents and receives permission to rest.

### Sheikh Fahad el Hansha

Hospitable Beduin sheikh who hosted Lawrence and his men, offering camel milk and a guest sheep.

### Arslan

Baked bread during a rest stop and made a sharp observation about the hills.

## Key lines

> The puffs of feverish wind pressed like scorching hands against our faces, burning our eyes.

The hot wind felt like burning hands on their faces, stinging their eyes.

_Lawrence describes the oppressive heat and his feverish state._

> Their treatment of every sickness was to burn holes in the patient’s body at some spot believed to be the complement of the part affected.

The Arab cure for illness involved cauterizing the patient's body at points thought to correspond to the affected area.

_Lawrence explains the traditional Arab medical practice and his fear of it._

## Links

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