Question

American naturalism rejected the romantics' ideal view of nature. Naturalism suggests that human fate is controlled by nature, heredity, and chance. In this activity, you will analyze the types of literary devices that were used in the naturalist movement and answer questions based on the short story “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane.

How is “The Open Boat” structured? How does this structure affect the pacing of the text?

Answer 1

Answer:"The Open Boat" is structured in seven sections, each with a different point of view on the four men’s predicament: being stranded at sea on a small boat. The men are initially angry about their plight, and then they grow to feel empathy for one another. Stephen Crane initially uses long sentences to set a slow pace to the story. These long sentences are reflective of the long arduous journey that the men face in the small boat, trying to survive every incoming wave. This pace is most evident in the sixth section of the story where the correspondent is awake and alone in thought while the other three crewmates are asleep. In the last section, the pace quickens, and Crane uses shorter sentences. These short sentences coincide with the frantic attempts of the men to reach the shore.

Explanation: Sample answer on plato

Answer 2

"The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane is structured as a short story and follows a linear narrative structure. The story is divided into seven sections, each representing a different phase of the characters' struggle for survival after their shipwreck.

The structure of "The Open Boat" affects the pacing of the text by creating a sense of tension and urgency. The story starts with the immediate aftermath of the shipwreck and the characters' fight for survival. As the story progresses, the pacing intensifies, reflecting the characters' increasing desperation and the constant threat of danger. The structure allows for a focus on the characters' physical and emotional journey, emphasizing the harsh realities of their situation.

Additionally, the structure of the story contributes to the overall theme of naturalism. By presenting the characters' struggle in a linear and chronological manner, Crane highlights the deterministic forces of nature and the characters' lack of control over their fate. The pacing of the text reflects the relentless and unforgiving nature of the sea, further emphasizing the themes of human helplessness and the indifference of the natural world.