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The main idea and conflict between humanity and nature throughout this work is that nature is indifferent to man, yet man is dependent upon nature to stay alive. Everything that occurs in this piece returns to that main idea. The characters are tiny specks in comparison to the sea. The sea goes about doing its own thing not even noticing that they are on it. They can be compared to all humankind. They are the people of the world. The world continues each day without giving consideration to each specific person. The sea itself is our universe and the "open boat" is the stability that we constantly try to cling to every day of our lives. The characters were trying to hold onto the boat no matter what for stability in a sea full of ups and downs and constant challenges. The waves represented the constant challenges that we face in our everyday lives. Some were tumultuous and others were no worse than little hills. Page 49 it describes how tremendous and overbearing the waves were and how they never stopped yet just kept on coming one right after another. This is just like in life. Life's challenges never stop affecting us. The everyday challenges no matter what size just keep on coming one right after another no matter if you want them to or not. The sharks, which were part of nature, and the universe, tried to rock the stability of the people also. In life the sharks represent just another one of life's obstacles along the way. They don't disrupt the ocean, or the universe in any way, but they can have a big effect on the people. .
The sea is not out to harm, hurt, or challenge the characters although it may seem that way. It's actions are completely separate from anything having to do with the characters because the sea is entirely indifferent towards them. At times nature seems harsh and uncontrollable. The waves are thunderous and mighty and even the seagulls seem sinister (51).
