# IX: The Second Attempt explained — The Giant Raft

> Chapter companion for The Giant Raft by Jules Verne.

## What happens

Benito and Manoel plan a second attempt to find Torres' body using a diving-dress. Benito insists on diving himself despite Manoel's objections. They hire the apparatus from Manaus and prepare to search the riverbed near the basin of Frias.

## Themes in this chapter

### Mortality and Fate

The search for Torres' body and the discussion of decomposition and buoyancy highlight themes of death and the inevitability of fate.

### Journey and Transformation

The second attempt represents a new phase in the quest for truth, with Benito's transformation into a diver symbolizing a deeper descent into mystery.

## Character check-ins

### Benito Garral

Determined to dive himself to find Torres' body, showing his resolve and courage.

### Manoel Valdez

Proposes using a diving-dress and explains the science of body buoyancy; concerned for Benito's safety.

### Fragoso

Informed of the plan and ordered to accompany the boats to the basin of Frias.

### Araújo

Pilot who is ordered to go with the boats and Indians to the basin of Frias.

## Key lines

> If Torres had fallen into the water living, and not mortally wounded, it would take five or six days; but as he only disappeared after being so wounded, perhaps two or three days would be enough to bring him up again.

Manoel explains that a dead body rises faster than a living one because decomposition gases cause it to float sooner.

_Scientific reasoning about body buoyancy in water._

> Let us borrow, or hire, or buy, at any price, this apparatus, and then we may resume our researches under more favorable conditions.

Manoel suggests acquiring the diving-dress at any cost to improve their search.

_Manoel's pragmatic proposal to use a diving-dress._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se/chapters/ix-the-second-attempt
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se/chapters