Abstract: A frequent and prominent naturalistic concern in Crane’s fiction is the position of human beings in nature. His novel The Open Boat is a naturalistic work that demonstrates the powerlessness of human as well as the nonchalance of nature. Taking an Eco-critic perspective, this paper analyzes the environmental and psychological description and repetition narrative applied in The Open Boat and discusses major naturalist characteristics embodied in the novel: the mightiness and indifference of the sea, the insignificance and helplessness of the human and the negative influence of morality on human fate. It is hoped to reach a deeper understanding of the theme of the work and the value of the literary creation. 

Key Words: Crane; The Open Boat; Naturalistic features; Eco-criticism

Contents

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

1.1 Stephen Crane and The Open Boat-2

1.2 Previous Studies About the Author and The Open Boat-2

2. Eco-criticism as a Theoretical Tool to be Employed-4

2.1 Eco-criticism-4

2.2 Application of Eco-criticism in Literary Criticism-6

3. Analysis of Three Major Naturalist Features-7

3.1 Naturalist Description of the Nature-7

3.2 Naturalist Description of the Human-9

3.3 Impact of Morality on Humans-11

4. Reflections on the Author’s Idea of Nature-12

4.1 Author’s Idea of Nature-12

4.2 Harmonious Ecological Viewpoint as a Possible Solution-14

5. Conclusion-17

Reference..19