# XX: Between the Two Men explained — The Giant Raft

> Chapter companion for The Giant Raft by Jules Verne.

## What happens

Torres confronts Joam Garral, revealing his true identity as Joam Dacosta, a man sentenced to death for a diamond robbery and murder. Torres demands Minha's hand in marriage in exchange for keeping the secret, but Joam refuses. Joam then announces that Minha and Manoel will marry the next day on the jangada, and orders Torres off the raft. Torres threatens to denounce him, but Joam counters that he will meet with Judge Ribeiro to clear his name. Manoel learns the full truth and supports Joam.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Truth

Torres uses the secret of Joam's true identity as a weapon, while Joam reveals the truth of his innocence and the proof Torres holds.

### Family and Loyalty

Joam protects his family by refusing Torres's blackmail, and the family unites around him, with Manoel accepting Joam as his father.

### Justice and Innocence

Joam Dacosta's innocence is central; he seeks to clear his name through Judge Ribeiro, while Torres exploits the false conviction for personal gain.

## Character check-ins

### Torres

Confronts Joam Garral, reveals his knowledge of Joam's true identity as Joam Dacosta, and attempts blackmail to force Minha's hand in marriage.

### Joam Garral

Remains calm under Torres's accusations, refuses the blackmail, announces Minha's immediate marriage to Manoel, and orders Torres off the jangada.

### Benito Garral

Witnesses the confrontation and threatens to throw Torres overboard, supporting his father's authority.

### Manoel Valdez

Learns the full truth about Joam Dacosta's innocence and the blackmail, and accepts Joam as his father, agreeing to marry Minha the next day.

### Minha Garral

Becomes pale and anxious when her father announces the change in marriage plans, but is ultimately protected by her mother.

### Yaquita Garral

Stands by her husband, opens her arms to protect Minha, and learns of the immediate marriage decision.

## Key lines

> Joam Garral, here is my proposal. Do not be in a hurry to reply by a formal refusal. Remember that you are in my power.

Torres tells Joam to consider his offer carefully, reminding him that he holds the upper hand.

_Torres asserts his leverage over Joam by threatening exposure._

> I am master here. You will be off, if you please, and even if you do not please, and leave the jangada at this very instant!

Joam orders Torres to leave the raft immediately, regardless of his willingness.

_Joam asserts his authority and expels Torres from the jangada._

> If the wedding of Miss Minha and Mr. Manoel is to take place tomorrow on the raft—

Fragoso excitedly asks about the wedding plans for Minha and Manoel.

_Fragoso's comment prompts Joam to also announce Fragoso's wedding to Lina._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se/chapters/xx-between-the-two-men
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se/chapters