Nostromo · Chapter
XIII explained
Nostromo visits the Great Isabel, where he speaks secretly with Giselle Viola while her sister Linda watches with growing suspicion and anguish.
What happens
Nostromo visits the Great Isabel, where he speaks secretly with Giselle Viola while her sister Linda watches with growing suspicion and anguish. Linda, tormented by jealousy and the certainty of Nostromo's betrayal, struggles with her father Giorgio Viola, who is preoccupied with protecting his younger daughter from the supposed designs of Ramirez. The chapter explores the emotional turmoil within the Viola household, the strain of secrecy, and the tragic love triangle that will lead to Nostromo's death.
Themes in this chapter
Betrayal and Trust
Linda's certainty of Nostromo's betrayal and the secretive relationship between Nostromo and Giselle highlight the theme of broken trust and deception.
Love and Sacrifice
Giselle's desperate love for Nostromo and Linda's stoic suffering illustrate the sacrifices and emotional costs of love.
Identity and Reputation
Giorgio Viola's concern for his honour and Nostromo's dual identity as both the capataz and Captain Fidanza reflect the theme of reputation and self-image.
Characters to notice
- Nostromo
Visits the Great Isabel, speaks secretly with Giselle, and is observed by Linda with suspicion and anguish.
- Linda Viola
Consumed by jealousy and certainty of Nostromo's betrayal; watches him from the doorway and sits with her father after he leaves.
- Giselle Viola
Sits embroidering under the window, exchanges secret words with Nostromo, and expresses her fear and desire to be taken away.
- Giorgio Viola
Animated and uneasy about Ramirez's supposed designs on Giselle; guards his honour and talks with Linda after Nostromo leaves.
- Emilia Gould
Appears in the later part of the chapter, comforting Giselle after Nostromo's death and experiencing a moment of bitterness.
- Dr. Monygham
Excited and eager to learn the mystery of the silver; confronts Mrs. Gould and later goes to the islands in the police-galley.
Key passages
“She had passed on, pouring indignation and scorn upon Ramirez; but, that Sunday, she nearly died of wretchedness and shame, lying on the carved and lettered stone of Teresa's grave...”
Linda, after confronting Ramirez, felt such despair and humiliation that she lay weeping on her mother's grave.
Linda's emotional breakdown after realizing Nostromo's infidelity.
“One day she flung herself upon the chair in which her indolent sister was lying and impressed the mark of her teeth at the base of the whitest neck in Sulaco.”
In a fit of jealous rage, Linda bit Giselle's neck.
Physical manifestation of Linda's jealousy and anger toward Giselle.
“Console yourself, child. Very soon he would have forgotten you for his treasure.”
Mrs. Gould tells Giselle that Nostromo would have eventually abandoned her for the silver.
Mrs. Gould's bitter insight into Nostromo's true priorities.