# Greed and Moral Corruption in Downstream

> Theme guide for Downstream by Sigfrid Siwertz.

The narrative centers on the Selamb family's relentless pursuit of wealth through manipulation, fraud, and exploitation, as seen in Peter's shady business dealings, Laura's calculated social climbing, and Stellan's gambling debts.

## Where it surfaces

- [I: The Cry](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-i-the-cry): Kristin's tales of Old Hök's cruelty—starving tenants, using vermin-infested furniture—and her admiration for his wealth highlight greed and moral decay.
- [II: The Robber’s Stronghold](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-ii-the-robber-s-stronghold): Peter's manipulation to gain the marble and the fight over imaginary territory show early greed and dishonesty.
- [Peter the Watchdog](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-iv-peter-the-watchdog): Brundin's ostentatious wealth and the decay of the Selamb estate highlight the corruption and exploitation of the bailiff.
- [VII: Brundin's Downfall](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-vii-brundin-s-downfall): Peter's obsessive counting and plotting to steal Selambshof from Brundin reveal how greed corrupts his youth, poisoning his relationship with the land and turning him into a calculating watchdog.
- [IX: Peter the Boss](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-ix-peter-the-boss): Peter's greed drives him to manipulate his family and exploit business deals, feeling a 'good conscience' from his revenge on Brundin. His moral corruption is evident in his lack of guilt over robbing his siblings.
- [Peter Casts Out Majängen and Brings Home Ekbacken](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-i-xii-peter-casts-out-maj-ngen-and-brings-home-ekbacken): Peter's calculated manipulation of Herman through debt and false friendship exemplifies moral decay for financial gain.
- [I: Laura Entertains](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-ii-i-laura-entertains): Gambling and the sale of Kolsnäs illustrate the moral decay and greed of the characters, with Stellan and Levy exploiting Manne's weakness.
- [VI: The Great Dinner](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-ii-vi-the-great-dinner): Peter's relentless pursuit of money and land, his exploitation of the town's expansion, and his fear of anything other than wealth highlight the corrupting power of greed.
- [VII: Shadow Play](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-ii-vii-shadow-play): Levy's passionate discourse on money and business, along with Hedvig's suspicion that he only wants her money, highlights the corrupting influence of greed and the moral ambiguities of financial dealings.
- [IX: Peter's Tombstone](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/chapters/part-ii-ix-peter-s-tombstone): The siblings' lawsuit over Peter's will exposes their greed and willingness to air family secrets for money, while Peter's cunning ensures his posthumous victory.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/themes/greed_and_corruption
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/downstream_se/themes