# XX: The Lower Amazon explained — The Giant Raft

> Chapter companion for The Giant Raft by Jules Verne.

## What happens

The jangada continues its journey down the Amazon, passing various towns and tributaries. The family marvels at the scenery, and Manoel points out the Sierras. The raft eventually reaches Belém do Pará, where Joam Dacosta receives a hero's welcome. The chapter concludes with the double wedding of Manoel and Minha, and Fragoso and Lina, celebrated with great festivity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Journey and Transformation

The jangada's voyage down the Amazon symbolizes the family's journey toward redemption and new beginnings, culminating in the weddings.

### Love and Marriage

The chapter concludes with the double wedding of Manoel and Minha, and Fragoso and Lina, celebrated with great joy.

### Family and Loyalty

The Dacosta family is reunited and supported by the community; Joam Dacosta is welcomed back after his long exile.

## Character check-ins

### Joam Dacosta

Returns to a new life, shedding happiness on his family; receives a sympathetic reception in Belém.

### Minha Garral

Expresses wonder at the valley; marries Manoel Valdez.

### Manoel Valdez

Points out the Sierras to the family; marries Minha Garral.

### Lina

Repeats 'How beautiful!'; marries Fragoso.

### Fragoso

Asks 'When shall we get there?'; marries Lina.

### Benito Garral

Recovers his former good humor; present at the weddings.

### Yaquita Garral

Escorted by the governor of Belém at the wedding ceremony.

### Padre Passanha

Celebrates the double marriage of Manoel and Minha, and Fragoso and Lina.

## Key lines

> How magnificent! remarked Minha, over and over again. How long! murmured Manoel. How beautiful! repeated Lina. When shall we get there? murmured Fragoso.

Minha repeatedly exclaimed at the grandeur, Manoel sighed at the duration, Lina echoed the beauty, and Fragoso wondered when they would arrive.

_Shows the different perspectives of the characters during the journey._

> To the right, said he, that is the Sierra de Parácuarta, which curves in a half-circle to the south! To the left, that is the Sierra de Curuva, of which we have already passed the first outposts.

Manoel identified the mountain ranges on either side of the river, explaining their names and positions.

_Demonstrates Manoel's familiarity with the region._

> The hearts of the passengers of the giant raft beat high. At length they were coming to the end of the voyage which they had thought they would never reach.

The travelers felt great excitement as they neared the end of their long journey, which at one point seemed impossible to complete.

_Captures the emotional relief and anticipation of the family._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se/chapters/xx-the-lower-amazon
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_giant_raft_se/chapters