# Torres explained — The Giant Raft

> Chapter companion for The Giant Raft by Jules Verne.

## What happens

Torres, a stranger, arrives in Tabatinga and gets a haircut from Fragoso. Through conversation, he learns about Joam Garral's family and their journey down the Amazon on the jangada. Fragoso introduces Torres to Benito and Manoel, who recognize him from a previous encounter in the Iquitos forest. Benito invites Torres to join them on the raft, and Joam Garral agrees to give him passage to Manaus.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Truth

Torres's hidden motives and Fragoso's vague recognition hint at deception beneath a friendly exterior.

### Journey and Transformation

The Garral family's voyage down the Amazon is a journey of betrothal, pleasure, and business, marking a transformation for the family.

## Character check-ins

### Torres

A stranger who arrives in Tabatinga and learns about the Garral family through Fragoso. He accepts passage on the jangada to Manaus.

### Fragoso

The barber who cuts Torres's hair and provides information about the Garral family. He feels he has seen Torres before.

### Benito Garral

Recognizes Torres from the Iquitos forest and invites him to join the jangada.

### Manoel Valdez

Observes Torres with suspicion but does not object to offering him passage.

### Joam Garral

Agrees to give Torres passage to Manaus, though Torres hesitates to shake his hand.

### Lina

Mentioned by Fragoso as a pretty mulatto and companion to Minha.

## Key lines

> A voyage of betrothal, of pleasure, and of business!

The journey serves multiple purposes: a wedding trip, a pleasure cruise, and a business venture.

_Fragoso describes the multifaceted nature of the Garral family's voyage._

> There was an entire want of frankness in the eyes, whose look changed unceasingly, as if he was afraid to fix them anywhere.

Torres's eyes lacked honesty and shifted constantly, as if he was afraid to hold a steady gaze.

_Manoel's observation of Torres's untrustworthy demeanor._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se/chapters/xiii-torres
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se/chapters