Nostromo · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Nostromo by Joseph Conrad.
Chapter 1
Epigraph
The epigraph, a quote from Shakespeare, foreshadows the turbulent events and moral storms that will unfold in the novel, suggesting that profound upheaval is necessary to clear a corrupt or oppressive atmosphere.
Chapter 2
Dedication
The author dedicates the novel to John Galsworthy.
Chapter 3
Author's Note
Conrad explains the origins of Nostromo, inspired by a vague anecdote heard in his youth and later confirmed by a sailor's autobiography. He describes his artistic vision for Nostromo as a 'Man of the People,' contrasting him with the aristocratic Antonia Avellanos, and reflects on the creation of the fictional Costaguana and its characters.
Chapter 4
Nostromo
The chapter introduces the setting of Sulaco and the central character Nostromo, a trusted and charismatic Italian expatriate who works as the Capataz de Cargadores. It establishes his reputation for reliability and courage, and hints at the political and social tensions in the region, including the influence of the San Tome silver mine and the looming threat of revolution.
Chapter 5
Part I: The Silver of the Mine
The chapter introduces the setting of Sulaco in the fictional South American country of Costaguana, focusing on the San Tomé silver mine owned by Charles Gould. The mine is central to the region's economy and politics, and the chapter establishes the tensions between foreign interests, local politics, and the characters involved, including the Goulds, Martin Decoud, and the Italian sailor Nostromo.
Chapter 6
I
The chapter introduces Dr. Monygham, a complex figure with a troubled past involving the tyrant Guzman Bento, who now serves as medical officer of the San Tome mine. He is recognized but not fully accepted due to his eccentricity and rumors of betrayal. The engineer-in-chief and Dr. Monygham discuss the political turmoil, the threat of Sotillo's arrival, and the safety of the silver and key individuals. Charles Gould appears briefly, calm and resolute, while the engineer reveals he misled the deputies about the time to secure peace for the losing party. The chapter also touches on Nostromo's role and the contrasting character of Gamacho, a demagogue risen from lowly origins.
Chapter 7
II
Captain Mitchell is captured by Colonel Sotillo, who interrogates him about the missing San Tome silver. Despite being bound and threatened, Mitchell remains defiant and refuses to reveal the silver's location. Sotillo, torn between rage and caution, has Mitchell locked up. The chapter also includes Mitchell's retrospective account of the events, his pride in helping to save the silver, and his anxiety during the night of its removal.
Chapter 8
III
Sotillo's moral stupidity leads him to misjudge Dr. Monygham, whom he despises as a fool while planning to cheat him of any reward. The chief engineer manipulates Sotillo to keep Sulaco free of occupation, allowing fearful families to flee toward Los Hatos. Father Corbelan's efforts to have Hernandez appointed general are thwarted when a riot erupts before he can deliver the nomination. Charles Gould pledges support to Hernandez's emissary, recognizing he must press forward on his precarious path. The emissary recounts his history with Hernandez, from resisting a recruiting raid to becoming a bandit and now a general, as the carriage passes frightened refugees on the road.
Chapter 9
Chapter IV
Charles Gould reflects on his role as an adventurer in Costaguana and his determination to protect the San Tome mine, even if it means destroying it. He receives a deputation from Don Juste Lopez and other Assembly members urging him to join a formal submission to Montero, but he refuses, advocating for restraint. Meanwhile, Dr. Monygham examines the wounded and learns of Hirsch's survival. Mrs. Gould, distressed by her husband's obsession with the mine, fears for Antonia Avellanos's sanity. Charles Gould considers writing to Holroyd about forming a new state and laments the loss of the capataz de cargadores (Nostromo) as a potential messenger. The doctor recounts his night at Sotillo's headquarters, criticizing the decision to send away the silver.
Chapter 10
V
Pedrito Montero enters Sulaco at the head of his llaneros, accompanied by the rabble of the National Guard under Gamacho. The chapter explores Pedrito's background, his Parisian-influenced ambitions to emulate the Duc de Morny, and his plans to exploit Sulaco's prosperity. Gamacho delivers a demagogic speech against foreign powers, but later Montero's cavalry disperses the National Guards. The chapter reveals the Monterist revolution's roots in personal ambition and the political immaturity of Costaguana.
Chapter 11
VI
Don Pepe and Father Roman discuss the political turmoil and the defense of the San Tome mine. Don Pepe reveals that Pedrito Montero has asked for the mine's surrender, but he is committed to destroying it rather than letting it fall into enemy hands. Father Roman worries about the fate of the villagers and Mrs. Gould, while the local Indians remain confident in the mine's protective power.
Chapter 12
Chapter VII
Charles Gould confronts Pedrito Montero in the sacked Intendencia, refusing to surrender the San Tome mine and threatening its destruction if his safety is compromised. Meanwhile, Nostromo awakens from a long sleep on the Great Isabel, and Dr. Monygham urges Gould to take action, suggesting deceptive negotiations with Don Pepe, but Gould refuses to compromise Don Pepe's integrity.
Chapter 13
Chapter VIII
Nostromo, having survived the sinking of the lighter, returns to Sulaco and confronts his sense of betrayal and loss of identity. He reflects on the deaths of Signora Teresa and Martin Decoud, and his conversation with Dr. Monygham reveals the doctor's desperate plan to use Nostromo as a messenger to Barrios. Nostromo's internal turmoil over the silver and his reputation sets the stage for his transformation.
Chapter 14
Part II: The Isabels
Martin Decoud, left alone on the Great Isabel with the silver, succumbs to isolation and despair, ultimately taking his own life. Nostromo, having survived the sinking of the lighter, returns to find Decoud dead and hides the treasure on the island. He then assumes a new identity as Captain Fidanza, while the lighthouse built on the Great Isabel becomes a permanent reminder of the hidden silver.
Chapter 15
I
The chapter introduces Dr. Monygham, a complex figure with a troubled past involving the tyrant Guzman Bento, who now serves as medical officer of the San Tome mine. He is recognized but not fully accepted due to his eccentricity and rumors of betrayal. The engineer-in-chief and Dr. Monygham discuss the political turmoil, the threat of Sotillo's arrival, and the safety of the silver and key individuals. Charles Gould appears briefly, calm and resolute, while the engineer reveals he misled the deputies about the time to secure peace for the losing party. The chapter also touches on Nostromo's role and the contrasting character of Gamacho, a demagogue risen from lowly origins.
Chapter 16
II
Captain Mitchell is captured by Colonel Sotillo, who interrogates him about the missing San Tome silver. Despite being bound and threatened, Mitchell remains defiant and refuses to reveal the silver's location. Sotillo, torn between rage and caution, has Mitchell locked up. The chapter also includes Mitchell's retrospective account of the events, his pride in helping to save the silver, and his anxiety during the night of its removal.
Chapter 17
III
Sotillo's moral stupidity leads him to misjudge Dr. Monygham, whom he despises as a fool while planning to cheat him of any reward. The chief engineer manipulates Sotillo to keep Sulaco free of occupation, allowing fearful families to flee toward Los Hatos. Father Corbelan's efforts to have Hernandez appointed general are thwarted when a riot erupts before he can deliver the nomination. Charles Gould pledges support to Hernandez's emissary, recognizing he must press forward on his precarious path. The emissary recounts his history with Hernandez, from resisting a recruiting raid to becoming a bandit and now a general, as the carriage passes frightened refugees on the road.
Chapter 18
Chapter IV
Charles Gould reflects on his role as an adventurer in Costaguana and his determination to protect the San Tome mine, even if it means destroying it. He receives a deputation from Don Juste Lopez and other Assembly members urging him to join a formal submission to Montero, but he refuses, advocating for restraint. Meanwhile, Dr. Monygham examines the wounded and learns of Hirsch's survival. Mrs. Gould, distressed by her husband's obsession with the mine, fears for Antonia Avellanos's sanity. Charles Gould considers writing to Holroyd about forming a new state and laments the loss of the capataz de cargadores (Nostromo) as a potential messenger. The doctor recounts his night at Sotillo's headquarters, criticizing the decision to send away the silver.
Chapter 19
V
Pedrito Montero enters Sulaco at the head of his llaneros, accompanied by the rabble of the National Guard under Gamacho. The chapter explores Pedrito's background, his Parisian-influenced ambitions to emulate the Duc de Morny, and his plans to exploit Sulaco's prosperity. Gamacho delivers a demagogic speech against foreign powers, but later Montero's cavalry disperses the National Guards. The chapter reveals the Monterist revolution's roots in personal ambition and the political immaturity of Costaguana.
Chapter 20
VI
Don Pepe and Father Roman discuss the political turmoil and the defense of the San Tome mine. Don Pepe reveals that Pedrito Montero has asked for the mine's surrender, but he is committed to destroying it rather than letting it fall into enemy hands. Father Roman worries about the fate of the villagers and Mrs. Gould, while the local Indians remain confident in the mine's protective power.
Chapter 21
Chapter VII
Charles Gould confronts Pedrito Montero in the sacked Intendencia, refusing to surrender the San Tome mine and threatening its destruction if his safety is compromised. Meanwhile, Nostromo awakens from a long sleep on the Great Isabel, and Dr. Monygham urges Gould to take action, suggesting deceptive negotiations with Don Pepe, but Gould refuses to compromise Don Pepe's integrity.
Chapter 22
Chapter VIII
Nostromo, having survived the sinking of the lighter, returns to Sulaco and confronts his sense of betrayal and loss of identity. He reflects on the deaths of Signora Teresa and Martin Decoud, and his conversation with Dr. Monygham reveals the doctor's desperate plan to use Nostromo as a messenger to Barrios. Nostromo's internal turmoil over the silver and his reputation sets the stage for his transformation.
Chapter 23
Part III: The Lighthouse
Years after the revolution, Nostromo has become the wealthy Captain Fidanza, secretly visiting the silver he hid on the Great Isabel. A lighthouse is built on the island, and Nostromo courts Giselle Viola while her sister Linda is devoted to him. Giorgio Viola, now the lighthouse keeper, mistakenly kills Nostromo, believing him to be a thief. Nostromo confesses to Linda before dying.
Chapter 24
I
The chapter introduces Dr. Monygham, a complex figure with a troubled past involving the tyrant Guzman Bento, who now serves as medical officer of the San Tome mine. He is recognized but not fully accepted due to his eccentricity and rumors of betrayal. The engineer-in-chief and Dr. Monygham discuss the political turmoil, the threat of Sotillo's arrival, and the safety of the silver and key individuals. Charles Gould appears briefly, calm and resolute, while the engineer reveals he misled the deputies about the time to secure peace for the losing party. The chapter also touches on Nostromo's role and the contrasting character of Gamacho, a demagogue risen from lowly origins.
Chapter 25
II
Captain Mitchell is captured by Colonel Sotillo, who interrogates him about the missing San Tome silver. Despite being bound and threatened, Mitchell remains defiant and refuses to reveal the silver's location. Sotillo, torn between rage and caution, has Mitchell locked up. The chapter also includes Mitchell's retrospective account of the events, his pride in helping to save the silver, and his anxiety during the night of its removal.
Chapter 26
III
Sotillo's moral stupidity leads him to misjudge Dr. Monygham, whom he despises as a fool while planning to cheat him of any reward. The chief engineer manipulates Sotillo to keep Sulaco free of occupation, allowing fearful families to flee toward Los Hatos. Father Corbelan's efforts to have Hernandez appointed general are thwarted when a riot erupts before he can deliver the nomination. Charles Gould pledges support to Hernandez's emissary, recognizing he must press forward on his precarious path. The emissary recounts his history with Hernandez, from resisting a recruiting raid to becoming a bandit and now a general, as the carriage passes frightened refugees on the road.
Chapter 27
Chapter IV
Charles Gould reflects on his role as an adventurer in Costaguana and his determination to protect the San Tome mine, even if it means destroying it. He receives a deputation from Don Juste Lopez and other Assembly members urging him to join a formal submission to Montero, but he refuses, advocating for restraint. Meanwhile, Dr. Monygham examines the wounded and learns of Hirsch's survival. Mrs. Gould, distressed by her husband's obsession with the mine, fears for Antonia Avellanos's sanity. Charles Gould considers writing to Holroyd about forming a new state and laments the loss of the capataz de cargadores (Nostromo) as a potential messenger. The doctor recounts his night at Sotillo's headquarters, criticizing the decision to send away the silver.
Chapter 28
V
Pedrito Montero enters Sulaco at the head of his llaneros, accompanied by the rabble of the National Guard under Gamacho. The chapter explores Pedrito's background, his Parisian-influenced ambitions to emulate the Duc de Morny, and his plans to exploit Sulaco's prosperity. Gamacho delivers a demagogic speech against foreign powers, but later Montero's cavalry disperses the National Guards. The chapter reveals the Monterist revolution's roots in personal ambition and the political immaturity of Costaguana.
Chapter 29
VI
Don Pepe and Father Roman discuss the political turmoil and the defense of the San Tome mine. Don Pepe reveals that Pedrito Montero has asked for the mine's surrender, but he is committed to destroying it rather than letting it fall into enemy hands. Father Roman worries about the fate of the villagers and Mrs. Gould, while the local Indians remain confident in the mine's protective power.
Chapter 30
Chapter VII
Charles Gould confronts Pedrito Montero in the sacked Intendencia, refusing to surrender the San Tome mine and threatening its destruction if his safety is compromised. Meanwhile, Nostromo awakens from a long sleep on the Great Isabel, and Dr. Monygham urges Gould to take action, suggesting deceptive negotiations with Don Pepe, but Gould refuses to compromise Don Pepe's integrity.
Chapter 31
Chapter VIII
Nostromo, having survived the sinking of the lighter, returns to Sulaco and confronts his sense of betrayal and loss of identity. He reflects on the deaths of Signora Teresa and Martin Decoud, and his conversation with Dr. Monygham reveals the doctor's desperate plan to use Nostromo as a messenger to Barrios. Nostromo's internal turmoil over the silver and his reputation sets the stage for his transformation.
Chapter 32
Chapter IX
Dr. Monygham confronts Nostromo under the starry sky near the Albergo d'Italia Una, where the body of Hirsch hangs. Nostromo, feeling betrayed and reduced to nothing, resists the doctor's pleas to remain hidden and accept a dangerous mission to summon General Barrios. The doctor, desperate to save the town and the mine, insists Nostromo is indispensable, but Nostromo distrusts him and all the 'fine people' who use the poor. Their tense negotiation reveals Nostromo's bitter disillusionment and the doctor's fanatical devotion to the cause.
Chapter 33
The Solitude of Martin Decoud and the Regenerated Sulaco
Martin Decoud, stranded on the Great Isabel, succumbs to despair and solitude, contemplating suicide as he loses faith in love and purpose. Meanwhile, years later in the regenerated Sulaco, Captain Mitchell guides visitors through the prosperous Occidental Republic, recounting the historical events of the Separationist revolution and the key figures involved, including Nostromo, Dr. Monygham, and Hernandez.
Chapter 34
XII
Nostromo, now Captain Fidanza, grows rich slowly by secretly retrieving silver ingots from the Great Isabel. He suffers from the burden of his hidden treasure, which corrupts his character and isolates him. He develops a preference for Giselle Viola over her sister Linda, fearing Linda's intensity. When a lighthouse is built on the island, he fears discovery but learns the workers do not approach the ravine. He arranges for Giorgio Viola to become the lighthouse keeper, then visits the island to ask for a daughter's hand. Overcome by fear of losing access to the treasure, he cannot name Giselle and instead betroths himself to Linda, who joyfully accepts.
Chapter 35
XIII
Nostromo visits the Great Isabel, where he speaks secretly with Giselle Viola while her sister Linda watches with growing suspicion and anguish. Linda, tormented by jealousy and the certainty of Nostromo's betrayal, struggles with her father Giorgio Viola, who is preoccupied with protecting his younger daughter from the supposed designs of Ramirez. The chapter explores the emotional turmoil within the Viola household, the strain of secrecy, and the tragic love triangle that will lead to Nostromo's death.
