Like Mrs Gould, Nostromo is an orphan from infancy: i.e., the People have only adopted parents, including the directly abusive uncle of earlier times (perhaps a reference to earlier, more brutal ages). When reading descriptions of Nostromo (such as "quiet," "steady," "pliable," "courageous," "determined"), remember that every phrase is meant to apply in a larger sense to the People.

The phrase "apparently quiet and steady" hints allegorically at the People's coming revolt against exploitation. Later Giorgio says of Nostromo "that no one has ever understood you properly; that the rich will be surprised yet."