Weiss shows how the hero of Stephen Crane's principal work survives the death of the 'magic helper', then identifies with him in preoccupation with death and masochistic submission to fate and authority. The author defines fate as the abstract concept derived from some omnipotent being such as a military leader supported by 'magic helpers'. The hero in his flight into activity exposes himself to the very thing he fears, death. Weiss again compares Crane with Hemingway. Other literary works are alluded to as analogous and references are made to two lesser works by Crane.