Gold symbolizes rulership in Nostromo, which makes it somewhat strange that the ultimate ruler, Guzman Bento, receives "gilt." Perhaps this is a reference to the false, coerced nature of his authority. Or, to stretch somewhat, it might reflect the notion that Bento's rulership is an outward show, because fundamentally it is only a means by which he serves his overmastering dream-ideal of Government, which is the real ruler. (General Montero, who desires personal rule for its own sake, is seen bedecked in gold .)