Nostromo · Chapter
VII explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Gould accompanies her husband on an expedition through the Sulaco Valley, witnessing the land's beauty and its people's suffering under political oppression. Charles Gould navigates local authorities to secure support for reopening the San Tome mine, while the discreet muleteer Bonifacio secretly carries correspondence.
Themes in this chapter
Imperialism and Material Interests
Charles Gould's mine development is tied to foreign capital (Holroyd) and local political maneuvering, reflecting imperial economic influence.
Class and Social Hierarchy
Depiction of landowners, muleteers, Indians, and officials highlights rigid social stratification in Costaguana.
Politics and Revolution
Stories of political outrage, civil wars, and proscriptions permeate households; the corrupt local government is contrasted with the people's desire for peace.
Characters to notice
- Emilia Gould
Rides through the province with her husband, observing the land and people with deep sympathy; becomes known as the 'Never-tired Señora'.
- Charles Gould
Leads the expedition to secure labor and support for the San Tome mine; negotiates with local authorities, including the Sulaco political chief.
- Don Jose Avellanos
Praises Charles Gould's tact and courage; corresponds with him via secret muleteer Bonifacio.
- Bonifacio
The discreet muleteer who secretly carries letters for Charles Gould; born on the Avellanos hacienda.
- Don Pepe
Retired major and commissary for the expedition; points out features of the country and laments Costaguana's state.
- Holroyd
Referenced as the great man in the United States who corresponds with Charles Gould about the mine.
Key passages
“There the envelopes are opened, indiscriminately, with the frankness of a brazen and childish impudence characteristic of some Spanish-American governments.”
The Costaguana post office routinely opens letters, a practice typical of the region's governments.
Explains why Charles Gould uses secret couriers.
“She saw the man under the silent, sad-eyed beast of burden.”
Mrs. Gould recognized the humanity in the oppressed Indian laborers.
Shows her growing empathy for the local people.
“Poor Costaguana! Before, it was everything for the padres, nothing for the people; and now it is everything for those great politicos in Sta. Marta, for negroes and thieves.”
Don Pepe laments that colonial church exploitation has been replaced by corrupt politicians.
Reflects the theme of political corruption and historical change.