Nostromo · Question
How does Nostromo develop the theme of Materialism and Corruption?
Answer
Nostromo by Joseph Conrad develops Materialism and Corruption across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
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.
Evidence in the book
- Author's Note
The silver of the San Tome Mine captures both Nostromo and Charles Gould, symbolizing the corrupting influence of material wealth.
- I
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.
- VI
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.
- Chapter VIII
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.
- Part II: The Isabels
The silver treasure becomes a corrupting force, leading to Decoud's death and Nostromo's moral decline as he hides and later secretly uses the wealth.
- VI
The San Tome mine has become a 'fetish' and a 'wall of silver-bricks' that corrupts relationships and isolates Charles Gould from his wife and community.
- Chapter VII
The silver treasure dominates the characters' actions and thoughts, symbolizing the corrupting influence of material wealth and the sacrifices made for its preservation.
- Part III: The Lighthouse
Nostromo's secret hoarding of the silver corrupts his identity and leads to his tragic end, illustrating the destructive power of material greed.
