Materialism and Corruption

The silver of the San Tome mine symbolizes wealth that corrupts and consumes those who seek it, as seen in Nostromo's moral ruin and the destructive obsession with treasure that pervades the novel.

The silver of the San Tome Mine captures both Nostromo and Charles Gould, symbolizing the corrupting influence of material wealth.

The legend of the gringos on Azuera, who are said to be rich but eternally hungry and thirsty, illustrates the corrupting and cursed nature of material wealth.

The San Tome mine is used by corrupt governments to extract money from the Gould family, highlighting the theme of material greed and political corruption.

The San Tome mine's influence permeates Sulaco, shaping politics and society; the scramble for booty and the cynicism of motives in political contests underscore the corrupting power of material interests.