Nostromo
What is Nostromo about?
Originally published as a serial, Nostromo is set in a fictional South American country where the outbreak of civil war puts the mining town of Sulaco in turmoil. Giovanni Battista Fidanza, known as Nostromo, is given the task of smuggling out a large amount of silver to keep it from the revolutionaries. Conrad was inspired to write the book when he read, in a sailor’s memoir, the tale of a man who singlehandedly stole a boatload of silver. He had first heard the same story a quarter of a century earlier as a young sailor. Nostromo has met with critical acclaim: it is often regarded as Conrad’s greatest novel and Francis Scott Fitzgerald said he would rather have written Nostromo than any other novel.
Main themes in Nostromo
Material interests and corruption
The theme of material interests and corruption weaves through Nostromo, adding depth to its narrative.
Revolution and politics
Revolution and politics emerges as a defining element in Nostromo, shaping character development.
Capitalism and imperialism
In Nostromo, capitalism and imperialism provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Idealism versus pragmatism
The presence of idealism versus pragmatism in Nostromo connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Why Nostromo is still relevant today
Nostromo (1904) is often considered Conrad's greatest achievement and one of the finest political novels in English. Set in the fictional South American country of Costaguana, it explores how material interests corrupt individuals and nations. The novel's panoramic scope encompasses revolution, capitalism, idealism, and the tragic irony of history. Writers from F.R. Leavis to Gabriel García Márquez have praised its ambitious vision and influence on Latin American literature.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nostromo about?
Set in the fictional South American republic of Costaguana, Nostromo follows multiple characters during a period of revolution, focusing on how a shipment of silver corrupts everyone it touches, including the seemingly incorruptible Italian foreman Nostromo.
Why is Nostromo considered Conrad's masterpiece?
Its ambitious scope—encompassing political revolution, capitalism, and dozens of complex characters—combined with its sophisticated narrative technique makes it Conrad's most comprehensive vision. Critics praise its profound analysis of how material interests shape human destiny.
What does the silver symbolize in Nostromo?
The San Tomé silver mine and its treasure represent the corrupting power of material interests. Everyone who comes into contact with the silver is transformed by it, regardless of their initial ideals or integrity.
Is Costaguana a real country?
No, Costaguana is fictional, but Conrad based it on various South American nations, particularly Colombia and Venezuela. The novel anticipates many themes that would later appear in Latin American literature.