Teacher Guide

The Open Boat Lesson Plan

Introduction to The Open Boat

Stephen Crane's short story "The Open Boat" tells the story of four men—an oiler, a correspondent, a captain, and a cook—struggling to survive in a lifeboat off the coast of Florida after a shipwreck. The men live through two days and a night at sea, relying on each other's strength, support, and knowledge to ultimately make it to shore. One of them, the oiler, does not ultimately survive the journey. Returned to land, the men feel they know something new about the dialogue of land and sea.

It was well known even in Crane's time that "The Open Boat" is a fictionalization of his experience surviving a shipwreck in 1897. He first published a journalistic account of his experiences,...

Join Now to View Premium Content

GradeSaver provides access to 2368 study guide PDFs and quizzes, 11018 literature essays, 2791 sample college application essays, 926 lesson plans, and ad-free surfing in this premium content, “Members Only” section of the site! Membership includes a 10% discount on all editing orders.

Join Now

Already a member? Log in