| Nostromo is hailed as Joseph Conrad's crowning achievement for its broad background, multiple characters, unique structure, and effective depiction of human nature. For the very vastness and profundity, however, it is also considered the most obscure and difficult work in the Conrad canon, which has aroused numerous critiques and still calls for further analysis. This thesis therefore reflects my attempt to introduce a Hamlet/Don Quixote dichotomy, that is, a skepticism/faith dichotomy derived from the juxtaposition of these two famous prototypes in the world literature, as a key to the myth of the novel as well as to a further understanding of Conrad the author. Both skepticism and improper faith lead to failure in times of turbulence, which is a general tragedy of human beings prone to such extremities. The thesis consists of five parts. Chapter I serves as an introduction of the thesis and gives a survey of the central importance of the dichotomy in aspects of the plots, the presentation of the times, and the philosophical depth of the novel, the three of which also thread throughout the following two chapters. Chapter II discloses Conrad's vision of Decoud the Hamletish character in the novel, who, as intelligent and penetrating as the Danish prince, extends the possibility of the prototype by pushing himself into absolute nihilism. Chapter III focuses on Gould and Nostromo the Quixotes who stick to their convictions, respectively "material interests" and "personal reputation", but inevitably meet with failure because of their improper beliefs and the alienation caused by their obsession. Chapter IV discusses Conrad's artistic devices with which he renders his presentation of these characters effective and the dichotomy powerful. The last chapter concludes the author's profound understanding of the world and of human nature represented by the dichotomy and the three heroes it covers, which, with the success of the novel, also shows the maturity and balance he achieved in his real life.
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