# Identity and Reputation in Nostromo

> Theme guide for Nostromo by Joseph Conrad.

Nostromo's sense of self is tied to his public reputation as a heroic figure, but his secret theft of the silver destroys his inner integrity, highlighting the conflict between external image and internal reality.

## Where it surfaces

- [Author's Note](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/author-s-note): Nostromo's dual identity as a 'Man of the People' and later as Captain Fidanza, with a hidden moral ruin, explores the tension between public reputation and private self.
- [Nostromo](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/nostromo): Nostromo's identity is closely tied to his reputation as a reliable and heroic figure, which is central to his role in the community.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iv): Signora Teresa mocks Nostromo's adopted name and his desire for recognition from the English, questioning his true identity and motives.
- [The Gould Concession](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/vi): Charles Gould's identity becomes intertwined with the mine, and his father's reputation is damaged by the concession, showing how material possessions shape personal and family identity.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iii): Decoud's shift from a detached Europeanized dilettante to a committed journalist and patriot highlights the tension between personal identity and public reputation in a time of crisis.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/v): Decoud is labeled a 'heathen' and 'materialist' by Father Corbelan, reflecting conflicts over personal and national identity.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/vii): Nostromo's primary concern is being 'well spoken of,' and he views the mission as a chance to cement his legendary status, highlighting the theme of reputation as a driving force.
- [VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/viii): Nostromo's vanity and concern for his reputation are central; he resents sharing the mission and values his perfect egoism.
- [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iv): Charles Gould sees himself as an adventurer with an 'adventurer's easy morality,' and his reputation as the most prominent citizen is leveraged by the deputation.
- [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/vii): Nostromo's awakening and his dual nature as a magnificent beast and a man reflect themes of identity and reputation.
- [Chapter VIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/viii): Nostromo's sense of self is tied to his reputation as the incorruptible capataz; his survival and the loss of the silver threaten this identity.
- [The Solitude of Martin Decoud and the Regenerated Sulaco](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/x): Decoud's sense of self dissolves in solitude, while Captain Mitchell's pride in his historical role and the commemoration of figures like Nostromo highlight the theme of reputation.
- [XII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/xii): Nostromo's public existence as Captain Fidanza is a sham; his true self is tied to the hidden treasure, and he fears the lighthouse will expose his secret and ruin his reputation.
- [XIII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/xiii): Giorgio Viola's concern for his honour and Nostromo's dual identity as both the capataz and Captain Fidanza reflect the theme of reputation and self-image.

## Links

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