Another subtle ricochet toward socialism occurs here, with the People turning
"to the left" in relation to their "daily labours." It is
no accident that the Custom House (as always, representing social customs) should
suddenly take the form of a "factory," representing the role of the
People in the society of the material interests to come. Note that by turning
toward socialism, Nostromo has "deviated from the straight course,"
a loaded phrase that could be a positive thing, in terms of breaking out of the
age-old course of exploitation, but which also carries something of a breach in
personal integrity.