Read the following dialogue from a student discussion:
brady:
so, let's talk about the story we all read for today, "the open boat" by stephen crane. who wants to talk about the story's symbolism? does anyone have any thoughts on this?
jose:
i thought the sea was probably symbolic. i mean, it's the thing that might kill these guys who are adrift after their ship sinks. the sea is stronger than they are, and it's dangerous. it suggests that the whole world is hostile to them.
garrick:
i agree with you that the sea is obviously dangerous. but only sometimes. it might kill them, but it's also a lucky wave that gets the correspondent to shore in the end. i think it's less like the whole world is hostile to people's lives, and more like it just doesn't care either way.
tanesha:
i agree. nature is indifferent. but there is meaning — it's just that people have to find it for themselves.
jose:
i'm not sure i know what you mean.
tanesha:
well, for instance, the bonding the men do in the boat — it makes the correspondent really happy in a way that surprises him. even he thinks he's cynical. nature doesn't care whether these guys live or die, but they can at least find some happiness in their predicament.
brady:
great discussion, guys! you've brought some real insights to the story's meaning.
which student is most clearly challenging ideas?
a. garrick
b. tanesha
c. brady
d. jose