# Politics and Revolution in Nostromo

> Theme guide for Nostromo by Joseph Conrad.

The novel explores the chaos of political upheaval in Costaguana, where revolutions are driven by greed, power struggles, and ideological hypocrisy, affecting both the elite and the common people.

## Where it surfaces

- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/ii): The chapter centers on the violent overthrow of President Ribiera and the chaos of revolutionary mobs in Sulaco.
- [IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iv): Giorgio's Garibaldino past and his lament for the lost cause of liberty underscore the theme of revolutionary idealism and its failure.
- [VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/vii): Stories of political outrage, civil wars, and proscriptions permeate households; the corrupt local government is contrasted with the people's desire for peace.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/i): The chapter details the political maneuvering behind the Ribierist movement, the legacy of Guzman Bento's tyranny, and the use of the San Tome mine's wealth to support a new regime.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/ii): The chapter is steeped in political maneuvering, the Montero revolt, and the struggle between the 'regeneration' party and the insurgents, showing the fragility of the state and the role of caudillos.
- [III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iii): Decoud's involvement in the patriotic small-arms committee and the founding of 'Porvenir' illustrate the political machinations and revolutionary fervor surrounding the Ribiera government's struggle against the Monterists.
- [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iv): The chapter depicts the departure of General Barrios to confront Montero, highlighting the precarious political situation and the reliance on military force to maintain order.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/v): Decoud's advocacy for Occidental secession and criticism of political purity highlight the revolutionary and pragmatic tensions in Costaguana's politics.
- [VI](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/vi): Decoud's plan to use Hernandez and Barrios, and the threat of riot, highlight the volatile political landscape and the struggle for control.
- [I](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/i): The chapter depicts the chaotic political landscape of Costaguana, with shifting loyalties, mob violence, and the struggle for power between oligarchs and revolutionaries.
- [II](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/ii): The Monterist revolution creates chaos; Mitchell reflects on the political instability and the threat to the established order.
- [Chapter IV](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iv): The deputation from the Assembly and Charles Gould's refusal to submit to Montero highlight the political turmoil and the failure of parliamentary institutions.
- [V](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/v): The Monterist revolution is driven by Pedrito's personal ambition and the political immaturity of the populace, as seen in Gamacho's demagoguery and the cavalry's suppression.
- [Chapter VII](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/vii): The Monterist takeover and Pedrito's attempts to consolidate power highlight the revolutionary upheaval.

## Links

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