Humans are not aware of their physical and mental strengths until a catalyst forces these powers to be released. In the short story "The Open Boat" written by Stephen Crane we are exposed to the great spirit that mankind can generate during a struggle for survival. In this case nature is the catalyst. Ever since the beginning of time nature has threaten men of all kinds in every part of the world; the most distinct group of men can find themselves bonding in times of struggle. .
After a shipwreck four men who under normal circumstances would not find themselves working together became very close. Ironically the ship's captain, oiler, cook, and correspondent are placed in a lifesaving boat rowing for their lives. Our setting is that of a cold, wet, miserable and uncomfortable situation. Stephen Crane quotes. "A seat in this boat was not unlike a seat upon a bucking broncho, and by the same token a broncho is not much smaller. The craft pranced and reared and plunged like an animal. As each wave came, and she rose for it, she seemed like a horse making at a fence outrageously high (196)". Indeed the boat was very small and almost seemed incapable. Lack of food, sleep depravation and all out misery abases their hope for survival. Keeping this boat afloat is a grueling task for the three able bodies. The captain happened to be injured which may inflict on the rest of the crew's morales. The short story "The Open Boat" supports the idea that there will always be a nature vs man conflict. We as human beings have much respect for nature, judging from previous defeats. When faced with a life or death situation we tend to bond.
Although a captain must be overly confident and have no qualms when it issuing orders, a catastrophe under his watch can lead the most supreme leader to become mentally wounded. As Stephen Crane describes. "The injured captain lying in the bow, was at this time buried in that profound dejection and indifference which comes, temporarily at least, to even the gravest and most enduring when, willy, nilly the firm falls, the Army loses, the ship goes down (196)".
