A remarkable aspect of this story from Stephen Crane is that it is based on an actual event in the author’s life. This adds credibility to what to me is a defining feature of the story: the way that throughout the ordeal four men from such diverse backgrounds were able to maintain their self-discipline and work so well together. The Open Boat is considered a classic in the literary style called “naturalism”. Such stories deal with the unforgiving power of nature and man’s struggle for survival. Themes: man vs. nature/the sea, perspective (appearance vs. reality), courage, teamwork, survival.
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