The waves are violent and "steep and high in a most unjust and barbarous manner, and every peak of foam was a problem in the navigation of the small boats." (1352). The waves rock the small boat, creating fear among the crew. After one stormy wave passed, another followed closely behind it, and "it was not difficult to imagine that this particular wave was the final explosion of the ocean, the last effort of the sinister water." . (1354). The canoe was not up to the height of the waves, and "the craft pranced, reared and dived like an animal." (1353). The narrator describes the setting from a third person perspective which encompasses the different characteristics of the individuals who make up the crew. The narrator is simply an observer and does not change the plot of the story, but he provides insight into the men's thoughts. The four men on board form a brotherhood that is “more than a simple recognition of what was best for common security.” There was… a personal, sincere quality. (1356). The men are in the same situation, facing the same problems, and together their support keeps them united. They are dedicated to each other out of respect and dedicated to their goal as a group. The crew frequently sees seagulls near the boat and the seagulls are a source of anger for the men. Men view gulls as “horrible and menacing” (1335) because the birds are “strange and sinister in their constant observation” (1355). Seagulls represent nature's indifference towards humans. The captain wanted to make the bird fall, but the boat could easily capsize, so he found himself helpless against the seagulls. The seagull sat on the captain's head as if the man were an inanimate object. This shows that man is incapable of changing nature and we are in the middle of paper...... Rew's resentment towards her (fate). The shark represents nature's ability to change fate and invoke fear. The shark's dark fin is subtle but powerful and dangerous, and poses a threat beyond the reach of humans. Nature is an all-powerful force, and the shark reinforces the smallness of man compared to the immensity of nature, and the fact that nature is always in control. The shark intimidates the correspondent, and he wishes one of his companions was awake to keep him company. The shark revives the possibility of death and the correspondent formulates ideas relating to the relationship between nature and man. The correspondent realizes that “nature does not consider him important and that she believes that she would not mutilate the universe by getting rid of him” (1363). The correspondent feels helpless and wants to fight against nature but has no means..