Cosmic Irony in "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane

Stephen Crane's 'The Open Boat,' is thought to be one of the finest stories ever written by an American. Crane uses a theme of cosmic irony. Cosmic irony is the belief that the universe is so large and man is so small that the universe is indifferent to the plight of man. In 'The Open Boat,' Crane's theme, cosmic irony, is illustrated through the use of symbols for isolation, insignificance, and indifference. …