Nostromo · Theme
Imperialism and Material Interests
How Nostromo develops Imperialism and Material Interests.
Foreign capital and companies, like the O.S.N. and the San Tome mine, impose economic control over Costaguana, prioritizing profit over human welfare and shaping the country's destiny.
Where it surfaces
- Nostromo
The San Tome silver mine represents the material interests of foreign powers and the local elite, driving the political and economic dynamics of the region.
- Part I: The Silver of the Mine
The San Tomé silver mine symbolizes foreign economic domination and the entanglement of local politics with international capital.
- II
The O.S.N. Company's protection of its property and the silver treasure highlights foreign economic dominance.
- V
Foreign powers (British railway, O.S.N. Company) exert economic influence, with the silver mine as a key asset.
- The Gould Concession
The mine represents foreign economic interests and the exploitation of Costaguana's resources, with Charles Gould's European education and capital symbolizing imperial influence.
- VII
Charles Gould's mine development is tied to foreign capital (Holroyd) and local political maneuvering, reflecting imperial economic influence.
- VIII
Foreign capital, represented by Sir John's railway and the Gould Concession, drives development and exerts control over the province, illustrating the reach of imperial economic forces.
- I
The influence of foreign capital, represented by Holroyd and the silver and steel interests, shapes the political landscape of Costaguana, highlighting the intersection of economic power and national politics.
- II
Foreign loans, railway lines, colonization schemes, and the silver mine (the Gould Concession) are central to the conflict, with the 'material interests of civilization' backing the government against the nationalist revolt.
- Chapter IV
Barrios urges Europeans to develop railways and telegraphs, linking foreign investment to national wealth; Scarfe's concern for the railway underscores the entanglement of economic interests with political stability.
- V
The discussion of bribing Montero and the role of foreign capital (railway, mining) underscores material interests driving political decisions.
- III
Sotillo's obsession with the San Tome silver drives his actions, and the chief engineer's manipulation serves to protect the town's commercial interests from armed occupation.
- V
Pedrito's plan to demand a share in foreign enterprises like railways and mines highlights the exploitation of Sulaco's resources by European capitalists.
- VI
The mine represents foreign capital and control, and its defense or destruction is tied to material interests and political power.
- Chapter IX
The silver mine and the political struggle are driven by material interests; the doctor's scheme aims to protect the mine and the foreign-backed regime.
