The Open Boat

By Stephen Crane

 

On this thread, please continue your discussion of Crane. This time, focus on the irony of the piece. What is the situational irony, that is, the relationship of the outcome of the story to the characters involved? Much like Chopin's "The Story of an Hour," Crane wants to make a point through his use of irony.  It isn't JUST at the end, so, likely, even though one or more of you may have something to say about the ending of the piece, the irony is really throughout. Speak to that. You need only post once on the irony.  You do need to look through the entire thread though and read everyone else's responses (just a reminder in case you aren't doing that) . Be sure, as always, to include scenes and direct quotations to anchor your readings and observations.

One other crucial thing to understanding this story is the status of men in the little boat. Who does the most work, but has the least status? Why do you think this matters in the story? What is Crane perhaps suggesting by this? Also, what is the captain's relationship to his men? Who has a name? Who doesn't? Why?