Question 1
Reflect on the influence of naturalism and realism in “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane.
Question 1 How does the setting of the story exemplify naturalism? Write three sentences about the waves symbolizing the indifference of the forces of nature in the story.
Question 2
Where is the influence of realism present in this short story? Write three sentences about the realistic depiction of the events in this short story.
Stephen Crane built a compelling story based on a personal experience in “The Open Boat.” To write this story, he adapted his personal account of a shipwreck he experienced off the coast of Florida on the way to Cuba. In this task, you’ll write a narrative that’s based on a significant event in your own life. The narrative can be as fictional as you want to make it.
Part A
To come up with an idea for your narrative, reflect on what you’ve experienced. Have you ever been afraid? Were you ever in danger? Have you ever personally encountered the power of nature or something else in an experience that affected you?
Write a three-paragraph personal narrative in the style of Stephen Crane’s “The Open Boat.” Include at least one of these types of figurative language in your writing: metaphor, symbol, simile, or personification.
Now read through the first draft of your personal narrative and make revisions. It will be helpful to have another person read your essay. Give your reader two or three specific things to look for when reviewing your work, such as correct spelling and punctuation, the effectiveness of your use of literary devices, or whether your ideas are clearly presented.
Produce a final written draft that shows evidence of thoughtful proofreading and revision. Submit the final draft of your personal narrative.
