Stephen Crane, the author of “The Open Boat”, uses an extraordinary selection of detail that coincides with his imagery to develop the tone. He also uses a balanced mixture of realism and naturalism. Through the mélange of pictures it is almost effortless to grasp the profound tone Crane is trying to portray. Crane opens with many suggestive phrases about the waves. The phrase “their eyes…were fastened upon the waves that swept toward them.” …showed first 75 words of 402 total…

…showed last 75 words of 402 total…the author leaves the reader with an impression of desperation: the aggressive waves are never-ending. Crane’s tone is brought forth by his use of imagery and his selection of detail. It is evident that the fearful tone is used throughout the entire passage and Crane’s sense of desperation is also apparent through his references to realism and to naturalism. The sailors knew their desperation and thought their battle with the waves was impossible.