Question

Which sentence or phrase reflects the theme that nature is indifferent to the troubles of man in this excerpt from "The Open Boat" by Stephen Crane? (Answer choices in brackets)

{There is a certain immovable quality to a shore} , and [the correspondent wondered at it amid the confusion of the sea]
.
[It seemed also very attractive, but the correspondent knew that it was a long journey,] and [he paddled leisurely]. [The piece of life preserver lay under him], and [sometimes he whirled down the incline of a wave as if he were on a hand sled].

Answer 1

Sometimes he whirled down the incline of a wave as if he were on a hand sled.
The man is clearly in a context of desperation or at least difficulty, stuck out at sea on a life preserver. The imagery brings one of a childlike delight or a fun situation. However that is contrary to the actual situation. The man clings to a life preserver, trying to survive, not have fun, but nature rolls on, indifferent to this man's plight.