Nostromo · Theme
Materialism and Corruption
How Nostromo develops Materialism and Corruption.
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.
Where it surfaces
- 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.
- The Gould Concession
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- II
The silver is the central object of desire and conflict; Sotillo's obsession with finding it drives his interrogation of Mitchell.
- Chapter IV
Charles Gould's obsession with the San Tome mine and his willingness to destroy it rather than lose it illustrate the corrupting influence of material interests.
- Chapter VII
The San Tome mine is central to political and personal power, with officials drawing salaries from it and Pedrito seeking spoils.
- XII
Nostromo's secret treasure corrupts his character, destroys his peace, and makes him a slave to the silver, comparing himself to the legendary gringos bound to unlawful wealth.