# Class and Social Hierarchy in Nostromo

> Theme guide for Nostromo by Joseph Conrad.

The novel contrasts the aristocracy, the bourgeoisie, and the working class, with figures like Nostromo as a 'Man of the People' and the Goulds representing the elite, revealing tensions and dependencies across social strata.

## Where it surfaces

- [Author's Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/author-s-note): Contrast between Nostromo, the man of the people, and Antonia, the aristocrat, highlights class dynamics in the creation of a new state.
- [Part I: The Silver of the Mine](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/part-i-the-silver-of-the-mine): The chapter highlights the social stratification in Sulaco, from the wealthy mine owners to the workers and indigenous population.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/ii): Nostromo's leadership over lightermen and the distinction between European residents and the native mob illustrate class divisions.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iii): Giorgio Viola's scorn for the 'scoundrels and leperos' highlights his sense of superiority as a former Garibaldino and his disdain for the lower-class rioters.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iv): The Italian stronghold of the Casa Viola contrasts with the English engineers and the native Costaguanans, highlighting ethnic and class divisions.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/v): The contrast between aristocratic Blanco families and the humble origins of Montero highlights class tensions.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/vii): Depiction of landowners, muleteers, Indians, and officials highlights rigid social stratification in Costaguana.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/viii): The chapter contrasts the unruly cargadores with the elite like the Goulds and Sir John; the miners' adoption of white hats and ponchos with green stripes marks a new social identity tied to the mine.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/i): The chapter contrasts the aristocratic Blanco party, represented by Don Jose Avellanos, with the brutal populism of Guzman Bento, and explores the social divisions within Costaguana.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/ii): The division between the 'ricos' (wealthy families) and the populace is evident, as is the bandit Hernandez's attempt to buy a pardon through military service, highlighting class tensions.
- [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iv): The contrast between the European engineers, the local elite (Goulds, Avellanos), and the common people (Viola, Indio recruits) reveals deep social divisions.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/i): The contrast between Gamacho, a low-born demagogue, and Fuentes, a man of birth and education, highlights class tensions and the rise of populist figures.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iii): The transformation of Hernandez from bandit to general by official decree highlights the fluidity of social status in times of revolution; the emissary's pride in seeing his compadre made a general underscores this shift.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/v): The contrast between the ragged National Guard, the llaneros, and the aristocratic aspirations of Pedrito underscores class divisions.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/vi): The Indians of the valley are depicted as loyal to the mine, which provides them with security and identity, contrasting with the political chaos of the town.
- [Chapter IX](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/ix): Nostromo's bitter complaint that the poor are treated as dogs by the 'fine people' highlights the class divide and exploitation.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/themes/class_and_social_hierarchy
- Themes index: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/themes