# IV explained — Nostromo

> Chapter companion for Nostromo by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

The chapter explores Giorgio Viola's character and past as a Garibaldino, his puritanical disdain for money, and his disillusionment with the loss of the revolutionary cause. It also depicts Nostromo's return to the Casa Viola after the riot, his brief exchange with the Viola family, and Signora Teresa's bitter reproach of his vanity and lack of heart. The scene shifts to the domestic life of the Violas, Giorgio's cooking for the English engineers, and his wife's chronic pain and resentment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Class and Social Hierarchy

The Italian stronghold of the Casa Viola contrasts with the English engineers and the native Costaguanans, highlighting ethnic and class divisions.

### Politics and Revolution

Giorgio's Garibaldino past and his lament for the lost cause of liberty underscore the theme of revolutionary idealism and its failure.

### Identity and Reputation

Signora Teresa mocks Nostromo's adopted name and his desire for recognition from the English, questioning his true identity and motives.

## Character check-ins

### Giorgio Viola

Reflects on his revolutionary past, his contempt for money, and his sadness at the lost cause; stands guard at his door during the riot.

### Signora Teresa

Shows fear and bitterness after the riot; criticizes Nostromo's vanity and lack of conscience; suffers from chronic pain.

### Nostromo

Leads a band of Italian workmen to the Casa Viola after the riot; exchanges shouts with the Violas, then rides off to pursue the mob.

### Linda Viola

Present with her mother and sister during Nostromo's brief visit; raises her eyes to her mother's face.

### Giselle Viola

Present with her mother and sister during the scene at the Casa Viola.

## Key lines

> The thought and stress of that revolutionary time, had left its mark upon Giorgio in a sort of austere contempt for all personal advantage.

Giorgio's revolutionary experiences instilled in him a stern disregard for personal gain.

_Establishes Giorgio's principled poverty and disdain for materialism._

> He has not stopped very long with us. There is no praise from strangers to be got here.

Signora Teresa accuses Nostromo of only caring about the admiration of outsiders, not his friends.

_Highlights Nostromo's vanity and the tension with the Viola family._

> What a name! What is that? Nostromo? He would take a name that is properly no word from them.

Signora Teresa scoffs at Nostromo's adopted name, implying it is a meaningless label given by foreigners.

_Questions the authenticity of Nostromo's identity and reputation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nostromo_se/chapters/iv
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nostromo_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/nostromo_se/chapters