"The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane

The short story "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane, tells a story about the physical and emotional pressure caused by nature, which four men face to survive while stranded at sea in a lifeboat. The captain, oiler, cook, and the correspondent all respond emotionally and physically different to the stressors that nature provides while stranded at sea.
The captain although hurt from the sinking of his ship; still maintained his leadership role in the lifeboat. He gave direction and guidance to the crew as they rowed for shore. The captain was the character that was the least affected emotionally by the forces of nature around him. During the ordeal he "...spoke always in a low voice and calmly..." as a leader should in trying times. While the cook and correspondent swore at the gulls he simply batted away the one that landed on his head. …