Journal #22 Stephen Crane: Life Or Death Strength!

QUOTE:

“The correspondent wondered ingenuously how in the name of all that was sane could there be people who thought it amusing to row a boat. It was not an amusement; it was a diabolical punishment” (Crane 1004).


SUMMARY:

The men become stuck out in the ocean before they can attempt to safely steer their rowboat to shore. The wind and waves are treacherous to the dinghy, so they take turns constantly rowing to stay alive.


RESPONSE:

This quote reminds me of a line from any standup comic’s routine that is pointing out the irony in certain hobbies, or maybe even “death-sports.” I think that it could even be the “comic relief” in Crane’s story. This would be an observation to make the readers (or entire audience for a comic) feel the humorous power of being in complete agreement, at least for this specific situation. The different thoughts that the men have during this experience tend to be contemplating ideas that many people can relate to in their own ways, which I think helps make The Open Boat a very interesting and engaging read.

This section also makes me think of the difference between a hobby and a job. Rowing a boat, or any activity/hobby is fun when it’s not required, or when it isn’t a “life or death” situation. Just like how teaching dance sounds fun, which it usually is; but sometimes it can be a difficult test of character and strength. Sometimes I think the kids I teach are purposely trying to be difficult, but I’m seen as “providing a service,” which makes the customer almost always right (I say almost because I still have my judgment as a teacher). However, my job (like many jobs) isn’t really life threatening, which puts my “job wimpy-ness” into perspective when I read stories like this one. I guess I can’t really think of this situation of rowing the boat to safety as a real job though. I always hear about the amazing bursts of strength that people demonstrate in very serious situations.