Nostromo · Chapter
The Solitude of Martin Decoud and the Regenerated Sulaco explained
Martin Decoud, stranded on the Great Isabel, succumbs to despair and solitude, contemplating suicide as he loses faith in love and purpose.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Identity and Reputation
Decoud's sense of self dissolves in solitude, while Captain Mitchell's pride in his historical role and the commemoration of figures like Nostromo highlight the theme of reputation.
Fate and Superstition
Decoud's contemplation of the snapping cord and his passive acceptance of death reflect a fatalistic view of his destiny.
Betrayal and Trust
Captain Mitchell's feeling of being excluded from the secret arrangements involving Nostromo and Monygham touches on themes of trust and betrayal.
Characters to notice
- Martin Decoud
Decoud experiences profound solitude and despair on the Great Isabel, contemplating suicide after days without sleep and losing hope in love and purpose.
- Captain Mitchell
Captain Mitchell, now a prominent figure in regenerated Sulaco, recounts the historical events of the revolution to visitors, showing pride in his role and the city's transformation.
- Nostromo
Nostromo is mentioned as the man of the famous ride to Cayta, and Captain Mitchell notes his name should be engraved on the commemorative shaft for his contributions to Separation.
- Emilia Gould
Mrs. Gould is seen in her carriage with white mules, described as the kindest and most gracious woman, the first lady in Sulaco.
- Dr. Monygham
Dr. Monygham is noted as the Inspector of State Hospitals, a familiar of the Casa Gould, who played a key role in saving Sulaco from Sotillo and arranging Nostromo's mission.
- Hernandez
Hernandez, the former bandit now Minister of War, is pointed out by Captain Mitchell as a remarkable character and protector of Sulaco refugees.
Key passages
“He beheld the universe as a succession of incomprehensible images. Nostromo was dead. Everything had failed ignominiously.”
Decoud sees the world as a series of meaningless scenes, believing Nostromo is dead and that all efforts have ended in disgrace.
Decoud's despair leads him to perceive reality as fragmented and futile.
“The cord of silence could never snap on the island. It must let him fall and sink into the sea, he thought.”
Decoud imagines that the silence binding him will never break, so he must let go and drown in the sea.
This metaphor captures Decoud's resignation to suicide as the only escape from his solitude.
“He has done for Separation as much as anybody else, and has got less than many others by it—when it comes to that.”
Nostromo contributed as much as anyone to the Separationist cause, yet he received less reward than many others.
Captain Mitchell reflects on the disparity between Nostromo's efforts and his recognition.