Nostromo · Chapter
XII explained
Nostromo, now Captain Fidanza, grows rich slowly by secretly retrieving silver ingots from the Great Isabel.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Materialism and Corruption
Nostromo's secret treasure corrupts his character, destroys his peace, and makes him a slave to the silver, comparing himself to the legendary gringos bound to unlawful wealth.
Identity and Reputation
Nostromo's public existence as Captain Fidanza is a sham; his true self is tied to the hidden treasure, and he fears the lighthouse will expose his secret and ruin his reputation.
Love and Sacrifice
Nostromo's fear of losing access to the treasure leads him to sacrifice his desire for Giselle and instead betroth himself to Linda, whom he does not love.
Characters to notice
- Nostromo
Now Captain Fidanza, he secretly retrieves silver ingots from the Great Isabel, feeling enslaved by the treasure and losing his peace. He prefers Giselle but, fearing the loss of access to the island, betroths himself to Linda.
- Linda Viola
Intense and passionate, she loves Nostromo and accepts his betrothal with devotion, speaking with her mother's intonation.
- Giselle Viola
Nostromo's preferred sister, described as pliable, silent, and fond of excitement; she does not appear in this chapter.
- Giorgio Viola
The Garibaldino, now a widower, agrees to become lighthouse keeper and blesses the betrothal of Nostromo and Linda, speaking of his dead wife.
- Captain Mitchell
Mentioned as having the power to nominate the lighthouse keeper, and he arranges for Viola to get the position at Nostromo's request.
Key passages
“Nostromo had been growing rich very slowly. It was an effect of his prudence. He could command himself even when thrown off his balance. And to become the slave of a treasure with full self-knowledge is an occurrence rare and mentally disturbing.”
Nostromo's wealth accumulated gradually due to his caution; he maintained self-control even in crisis, but being fully aware of his enslavement to the treasure was a rare and psychologically troubling experience.
Describes Nostromo's internal conflict and the corrupting influence of the silver.
“His courage, his magnificence, his leisure, his work, everything was as before, only everything was a sham. But the treasure was real.”
All the qualities that defined him—his bravery, splendor, and activities—remained outwardly unchanged, but they had become hollow pretenses; only the treasure held true substance.
Highlights the theme of identity and the falseness of Nostromo's public life.
“He was afraid, because, neither dead nor alive, like the gringos on Azuera, he belonged body and soul to the unlawfulness of his audacity.”
His fear stemmed from the fact that, like the legendary gringos cursed on Azuera, he was completely bound—in body and spirit—to the illegality of his daring act.
Connects Nostromo's fate to the myth of the gringos, emphasizing his entrapment.