Here's why:
* Realistic: It portrays a true-to-life event (based on Crane's own experience of a shipwreck) with a focus on detailed descriptions of the natural world and the characters' struggles for survival.
* Naturalistic: It emphasizes the harsh realities of nature and the powerlessness of humans against its forces. The poem highlights the characters' fear, desperation, and the indifference of the natural world.
While not strictly a free verse poem, "The Open Boat" does utilize a flexible rhythm and rhyme scheme, often deviating from traditional forms to enhance its realism and natural flow.
It's important to note that these classifications are not mutually exclusive. "The Open Boat" can be seen as encompassing elements of both realism and naturalism.