Stephen Crane drew inspiration for "The Open Boat" from his firsthand experiences while stranded at sea in the Atlantic. The key distinction between "The Open Boat" and "The Human Drift" lies in their form. The former is a short narrative reflecting Crane's personal ordeal, whereas the latter is an essay that mixes arguments with factual information.
In "The Open Boat," Crane employs various literary devices such as word choice, visual descriptions, and tempo to create an immersive experience of time that mirrors the characters' unfolding journey. In contrast, "The Human Drift" serves as a convincing exposition that builds a series of conclusions which lay the groundwork for additional assertions regarding social theory and human evolution from ancient to contemporary times.
Despite their differences, both works feature similarities. Like London’s essay, Crane’s narrative incorporates elements of naturalism. Nature emerges as the central theme in both writings.
Crane imbues nature with both divine and animalistic traits. He highlights the stark reality that humans are mortal and vulnerable to the unpredictable forces of the natural world. Throughout "The Open Boat," the narrator captures the evolving emotions of nature by portraying the ocean in various manners. Initially, the sea is depicted as “snarling” and “bucking like a bronco,” but as the story progresses, it transforms to simply “pace to and fro.”
In a similar vein, London’s "The Human Drift" highlights the significance of nature. Humanity’s journey and survival are driven by the primal instinct to appease hunger. Thus, individuals and entire societies meander until they find places where they can thrive, as articulated in the following excerpt:
Human beings, like any other creature, have traversed the earth in search of sustenance; and it is not romance or adventure that propels them forward, but rather the urgent need of hunger that drives their extensive journeys.
