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The Open Boat | Reading Pointers for Sharper Insights

Reading Pointers for Sharper Insights

To better appreciate Crane's “The Open Boat,” take note of the following concepts:

Historical Note:

Stephen Crane actually experienced a situation similar to the story; he was stranded in a lifeboat with other sailors for over 30 hours after the ship he was on sank in the waters off Florida.

Setting:

One of the more simple settings in all of literature: a small boat in the ocean

Theme:

Life is a constant struggle and a test; people must fight against death, even though the strongest may not survive, and the least likely may be the winner. Man's free will and desires do not come into play because Fate will always hold the upper hand. Also note the conflict between man and nature and how Crane contrasts nature's indifference to man's desperation. These themes are a few basic elements of Naturalism.

Characters:

Crane draws each character as a distinct individual with strengths and weaknesses. Pay attention to the cooperation of the men as they focus on their one goal.

Suspense:

The curt, precise dialogue among the men sustains the tension and suspense in “The Open Boat.” Crane's use of imagery emphasizes the deadliness of the sea and sky, which appear almost to be characters in the story. At times he presents the scene as if it were viewed from a different vantage point, which both distances the reader from the action and heightens the contrast between calm and fury.

Unique Elements in Crane's Story:

  • Much of the beauty of Crane's writing comes from his use of metaphors, similes, colors, and imagery. He creates pictures that help readers better understand the men.

  • His writing is simple and clear. One of Crane's strengths in this story lies in the way the intriguing plot captures the reader's interest as it unfolds.

  • Crane also uses humor as comic relief throughout the otherwise serious story.