What could be the author's purpose behind writing the story `his first flight'?

In "The Open Boat," the narrative explores the challenges faced by four individuals who find themselves in a lifeboat after their ship goes down. The unfolding of events provides insight into each character, although we only delve deeply into the correspondent's thoughts. Through his reflections, we discover their perspectives on both life and death. The setting remains largely unchanged, as do the characters. Consequently, the pace of the story is dictated by the trajectory of the characters' thoughts and actions, particularly that of the correspondent. When the narrator contemplates the universe's indifference towards humanity, the pacing accelerates. Conversely, when the narrator experiences contentment with his existence, the pacing slows down. The rhythm of the poem plays a crucial role in conveying its deeper meanings.