Seven Pillars of Wisdom · Chapter
XXXIV explained
Lawrence, recovered from illness, plans an attack on the Hejaz railway to prevent the Turks from evacuating Medina.
What happens
Lawrence, recovered from illness, plans an attack on the Hejaz railway to prevent the Turks from evacuating Medina. He joins Sherif Abdulla's camp, secures support from Sherif Shakir, and leads a raid on Aba el Naam station. The attack damages the station and a train, but fails to capture the position due to lack of assault troops. The chapter also reflects on the isolation and character of shepherds.
Themes in this chapter
War and Guerrilla Tactics
The raid on Aba el Naam station exemplifies guerrilla warfare with mines, machine guns, and hit-and-run attacks.
Suffering and Endurance
Lawrence endures illness, a scorpion sting, and physical exhaustion during the raid.
Culture and Otherness
The description of the shepherd boy and the contrast between settled Arabs and outcast Heteym highlights cultural divisions.
Characters to notice
- T.E. Lawrence
Recovered from illness, leads the raid on Aba el Naam station, struggles with physical weakness.
- Emir Feisal
Mentioned as a free gas; his men are contrasted with the British army.
- Abdullah
Apathetic and more interested in European politics than the war; allows the raid.
- Sherif Shakir
Enthusiastic about the raid, organizes the force of Ateiba.
- Sherif Fauzan el Harith
Escorts Lawrence, captures a shepherd boy for intelligence.
- Mohammed el Kadhi
Guide, helps Lawrence after he falls from a telegraph pole.
Key passages
“It was irksome that he should come butting in to our show from Egypt, asking from us alien activities.”
Lawrence resented Sir Archibald Murray's interference, demanding military actions that didn't suit Arab tactics.
Expresses tension between British and Arab strategic approaches.
“The shepherd lad held on steadily, driving his goats with shrill cries up our hill for the better pasture on the western side.”
A young shepherd boy, oblivious to the battle, continued herding his goats toward better grazing.
Illustrates the shepherd's detachment from the war.
“We had taken thirty prisoners, a mare, two camels and some more sheep; and had killed and wounded seventy of the garrison, at a cost to ourselves of one man slightly hurt.”
The raid inflicted significant casualties and captured supplies with minimal losses.
Summarizes the tactical outcome of the attack.