How we cite our quotes: (Section.Paragraph)
Quote #1
A singular disadvantage of the sea lies in the fact that after successfully surmounting one wave you discover that there is another behind it just as important and just as nervously anxious to do something effective in the way of swamping boats. [. . .] As each slaty wall of water approached, it shut all else from the view of the men in the boat, and it was not difficult to imagine that this particular wave was the final outburst of the ocean, the last effort of the grim water. There was a terrible grace in the move of the waves, and they came in silence, save for the snarling of the crests. (1.10)
The strongest element in this story is clearly the ocean. It doesn't sound like the men feel very enthusiastic about the ocean's strength (in destroying boats) and skill (at killing men). They're certainly awestruck, but awestruck in the worst sense—more like terrified.
Quote #2
They sat together in the same seat, and each rowed an oar. Then the oiler took both oars; then the correspondent took both oars; then the oiler; then the correspondent. They rowed and they rowed. The very ticklish part of the business was when the time came for the reclining one in the stern to take his turn at the oars. By the very last star of truth, it is easier to steal eggs from under a hen than it was to change seats in the dingey. First the man in the stern slid his hand along the thwart and moved with care, as if he were of Sevres. Then the man in the rowing seat slid his hand along the other thwart. It was all done with the most extraordinary care. As the two sidled past each other, the whole party kept watchful eyes on the coming wave, and the captain cried: "Look out now! Steady there!" (2.12)
This is a great illustration of how precarious the situation in the boat is—just switching seats with someone is about the most dangerous thing you could do. Just in case we had forgotten, while appreciating the great skill with which the men manage this maneuver, Crane reminds us of the boat-swamping strength of "the coming wave." We might be getting a little seasick over here just thinking about it all.
Quote #3
"Take her easy, now, boys," said the captain. "Don't spend yourselves. If we have to run a surf you'll need all your strength, because we'll sure have to swim for it. Take your time."(3.9)
This isn't really so much foreshadowing, as it is anti-foreshadowing (yes, we just made up that term—bear with us). This is because in the end, the only man who does simply "swim for it" doesn't make it, whereas the other three find other means of getting to shore. The cook grabs an oar and paddles; the captain clings to the overturned boat; the correspondent is, as far as we can tell, tossed by a miraculous wave into shallow waters. Maybe it's not all about strength, after all.