In death and especially as enshrined in Linda's idealization, Nostromo retains
his title of "Capataz," the leader of the People, the man of unbroken
fidelity. Note that what dominates the gulf is his "genius," a slippery
word that can mean both his inherent character and the disassociated idea or influence
of him. In either case, the novel's guiding allegory expands what is said about
Nostromo to encompass all mankind. And in this final paragraph, Conrad allegorically
sets Man, the People, in a dominating position over Nature, reversing the imagery
of the novel's first chapter. I.e., we may be tiny and alone in an amoral, indifferent
universe, but we are "magnificent."