Comparing Fate In The Open Boat And A Man Said To The Universe

“Fate is the endless chain of causation, whereby things are; the reason or formula by which the world goes on” (Zeno of Citium). In the nineteenth century, new movements in literature were developed due to changes in society after the Civil War: Realism and Naturalism. The main intent of Realism was to exclude romantic and fantastic ideals in literature, interpolating what is real. Authors who describe themselves as Realists explain things without decorative language or sugar-coating events, and they believe that characters determine their own future, rather than a higher being or fate. Naturalism is believed to be a form of extreme Realism; it surpasses the authenticity of Realism with a philosophical pessimism and deterministic view of life. Naturalists believe that truth is is found in nature, and because nature operates with consistent principles, patterns, and rules, truth is consistent. The foundation of Naturalism relies heavily on forces of nature, whether that be human nature or the physical environment, leaving no room for characters or a higher being to manipulate their chosen destiny. In his works, “The Open Boat” (1897), “A Dark Brown Dog” (1901), and “A Man Said to the Universe” (1899), Stephen Crane explains the disregard the universe has for humanity and the forces of fate that lead humans to their rightful destiny. Edith Wharton, with her novels “Ethan Frome” (1911) and “Age of Innocence” (1920), exhibits accounts of men with similar shortcomings to the women in which they are betrothed due to their …show more content…
The boy feels elation by abusing the puppy, and, although he continually does so, the dog keeps following the boy until he reaches his home. The boy’s abusive father allows the boy to keep the puppy, and they become very fond of each other; the puppy was abused but continued to be loving despite the