 Facing an ultimately detached nature , the characters find solace in human solidarity . They are often referred to collectively as " the men " , rather than singularly by their professions , creating a silent understanding between them of their togetherness . The first few sentences of section three attest to this connection : " It would be difficult to describe the subtle brotherhood of men that was here established on the seas . No one said that it was so . No one mentioned it . But it dwelt in the boat , and each man felt it warm him . They were a captain , an oiler , a cook , and a correspondent , and they were friends , friends in a more curiously iron @-@ bound degree than may be common . " Survival is also an important thematic element in itself , as it is contingent upon the men to battle the elements in order to save themselves . The correspondent 's desire to survive is evident in his refrain of the lyrical line : " If I am going to be drowned — if I am going to be drowned — if I am going to be drowned , why , in the name of the seven mad gods who rule the sea , was I allowed to come thus far and contemplate sand and trees ? " By repeating himself , the correspondent expresses himself ritualistically , and yet he remains existentially adrift . 
