This paper discusses the fate of Mrs. Gould in Joseph Conrad’s `Nostromo`.
This paper explains that Joseph Conrad?s epic novel, ?Nostromo?, is a story of intrigue in the pursuit of political and material power as a Latin country, Costaguana, struggles to emerge as a Republic. The author stresses that it is also a story of human interest, particularly through Conrad?s vivid portrayals of the Goulds, a husband and wife team overseeing the silver mine that is the principal driving force behind Sulaco?s economic development. The paper relates that the character and fate of Mrs. Gould gives the reader much food for thought on the subject of whether human beings are merely the victims of circumstances beyond their control or whether an individual?s own character is the ultimate decider of his or her fate.
`Charles stopping at nothing to protect the mine’s interests disillusions Emilia to the extent that finally she supports Decoud’s plans for an independent Sulaco: `It was as if the inspiration of their early years had left her heart to turn into a wall of silver bricks, erected by the silent work of evil spirits, between her and her husband. He seemed to dwell alone within a circumvallation of precious metal, leaving her outside with her school, her hospital`.? (II, 6) Once again, the reader sees the destiny that the character of each leads them to, but with a wistful hint of if only decisions had been different. As Emilia asks Charles, ?Ah, if we had left it alone, Charley!? (II, 6)`