The idea of Fate has bewildered and been analyzed by all types of people for eons of time. In “The Open Boat” by Stephen Crane, the topic of Fate and it’s meaning is largely evident. For example, throughout the story, it is never made certain whether the four men will survive or drown, regardless of their efforts. Even the oiler, who did not give in to feelings of hopelessness early on, ends up being the one to lose his life out of the four men. Overall, their fate seems to rest in the hands of the power of the elements, which are far beyond their control.
