Note that the gasp follows not Monygham's suggestion, but Nostromo's own denial, as if he is appalled at having to deny the symbolic truth of the treasure residing in human character. And not merely deny it, but call it an illusion ("utter folly"). This is a dramatic hint of the tension that will dominate the rest of Part Three: that in order to keep the treasure, Nostromo must paradoxically lose what it stands for, his "incorruptible" character.

We also continue with the metaphor of the Devil seducing the People back into the fold. This is the beginning of a key turning point in the dialogue: the People realize that they cannot rejoin cynical society on the basis of their own honesty (symbolized by the silver on the island); they too must pretend that the silver has been lost; they must pretend to partake of the universal cynicism; they must participate in the deception of the false dream-ideal. If they don't, the silver will be taken back by the rulers, standing for the exploitative society reclaiming the People's character as their property. The only way for the People to exist in society is to keep their true character secret. This rude realization comprises another turn of the People toward socialism.