Nostromo Greed Quotes

“Nostromo,” by Joseph Conrad has a strong central theme on greed, the power of greed,

and the potential results of greed. A man’s ambitions can convert a noble man into an unknown

monster. Nostromo is a well-known warrior of Sulaco, who’s priority is to guard the silver mine

and save the town from invasions. The man seems humble, but in reality he helps others to build

his own legacy, to earn respect, and to raise his pride. To Nostromo, wealth is represented

through pride while in the other hand Gould (the wealthiest man of Sulaco and owner of the

mine) is seen differently by the people. He is seen as the dedicated hard working leader who is

there to save the town of Sulaco. Controversy within the town increases when greed begins to

“He had given her a quarter dollar he mentioned carelessly..., old or young they like money, and

will speak well of the man who gives it to them.” p. 179, Conrad. This was a quote where

Nostromo shows his true colors to the reader. Throughout the book we see a transformation that

Nostromo goes through due to the power of greed. It was well evident that Nostromo worked

very hard and was tremendously amazing at his job because he loved the satisfaction of fame. As

a reader I questioned whether Nostromo was a hero to Sulaco or simply another man obsessed

with ambitions. He was so obsessed with his legacy being built that he didn’t care about working

and completing heroic tasks without getting paid. “The only thing he seems to care for, as far as I

have been able to discover, is to be well spoken of. An ambition fit for noble souls.” (p.178,

Conrad). That was until Teresa, a mother figure, the lady who had taken Nostromo at a very

young age into her arms alerted his blindness.

“But do you look to it, man, that you get something for yourself out of it, besides the

remorse that shall overtake you some day.” (p.185, Conrad). A very powerful statement