"Naturalism in literature sometimes depicts the relationship between individuals and nature, focusing on the significance of characters in their environment" ("Naturalism" 1). The indifference of nature to the fate of humanity is depicted within "The Open Boat." This theme is portrayed through the struggles of four men left to survive at sea against the perilous forces of nature. Based on a factual experience by the author, "The Open Boat" leads one through the trials and tribulations of a thirty-hour trip to safety (Bernardo 1). The four men encounter a myriad of difficulties in their struggle for survival.
"In "The Open Boat," four men are rowing for survival. Each of these men represent a different role in society: the captain, a leader; the oiler, an ideal citizen; the correspondent, an average man; and the cook, a worker" (Shulman 66). Throughout the story these four distinct men pull together and establish a brotherhood. This brotherhood represents a community and the unification of society to overcome an obstacle. It also represents the dominant force of nature, in which it is a necessity to pull together.
The theme of naturalism is also depicted within the tower. As the tumultuous sea nearly enveloped the small boat with each raging wave, and the men struggled to survive, the tower stood strong and indifferent toward the occurrences of that time. It portrays "The serenity of nature amid the struggles of the individual." The tower stood as a giant with its back to the "plight of ants." "She did not seem cruel to him then, nor beneficent, nor treacherous, nor wise. But she was indifferent, flatly indifferent"(Stein 151).
Using figurative language, like metaphors, through the dialogue of the men, Crane portrays the setting and the intensity of nature. He uses jagged rocks, snarling animals, white flames, and the attack of the waves to build up the ferocity of the storm.