Nostromo · Theme
Love and Sacrifice
How Nostromo develops Love and Sacrifice.
Romantic and familial love, such as Antonia's devotion to Decoud and Mrs. Gould's loyalty to her husband, are tested by political turmoil and personal ambition, often requiring sacrifice.
Where it surfaces
- V
Decoud's confession of love for Antonia and his willingness to face danger for her reveal the theme of personal sacrifice amid political turmoil.
- VII
Decoud's love for Antonia gives ideal meaning to his physical toil, while Emilia Gould sacrifices her happiness to support her husband's obsession, and Nostromo sacrifices his conscience by refusing the priest.
- XII
Nostromo's fear of losing access to the treasure leads him to sacrifice his desire for Giselle and instead betroth himself to Linda, whom he does not love.
- XIII
Giselle's desperate love for Nostromo and Linda's stoic suffering illustrate the sacrifices and emotional costs of love.