# Chapter IX explained — Nostromo

> Chapter companion for Nostromo by Joseph Conrad.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Trust

Nostromo feels betrayed by the wealthy and powerful, and distrusts Dr. Monygham's motives, while the doctor fears Nostromo might betray him.

### Class and Social Hierarchy

Nostromo's bitter complaint that the poor are treated as dogs by the 'fine people' highlights the class divide and exploitation.

### Imperialism and Material Interests

The silver mine and the political struggle are driven by material interests; the doctor's scheme aims to protect the mine and the foreign-backed regime.

## Character check-ins

### Nostromo

Feels betrayed and reduced to nothing; bitter about being used by the wealthy; distrusts Dr. Monygham and resists the mission to Barrios.

### Dr. Monygham

Desperate to keep Nostromo hidden and persuade him to undertake the mission to Barrios; reveals his fanatical devotion to saving the mine and the town.

### Hirsch

Dead body present at the scene; his execution by Sotillo is referenced as a warning of what Nostromo might face.

### Charles Gould

Referenced as the owner of the San Tomé mine; the doctor claims to speak in his name, though Nostromo is skeptical.

### Martin Decoud

Mentioned as having led Nostromo into the silver affair; Nostromo reflects bitterly on Decoud's lack of care for him.

## Key lines

> I am betrayed!

Nostromo feels that he has been let down or deceived by those he trusted.

_Expresses Nostromo's sense of personal betrayal and disillusionment._

> A poor man amongst you has got to look after himself.

A person of low social standing must fend for himself because the wealthy do not care for him.

_Highlights the theme of class and social hierarchy._

> You are safe because you are needed.

Your safety comes from being useful to others, not from loyalty or friendship.

_Dr. Monygham's pragmatic justification for why he won't betray Nostromo._

## Links

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