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. The hurt captain, lying against the water-jar in the bow, spoke always in a low voice and calmly; but he could never command a more ready and swiftly obedient crew than the motley three of the dinghy. It was more than a mere recognition of what was best for the common safety. There was surely in it a quality that was personal and heart-felt. And after this devotion to the commander of the boat there was this comradeship that the correspondent, for instance, who had been taught to be cynical of men, knew even at the time was the best experience of his life. But no one said that it was so. No one mentioned it.

Question

Which sentence best captures the theme?

1.
"There was surely in it a quality that was personal and heartfelt."

2.
"It would be difficult to describe the subtle brotherhood of men that was here established on the seas."

3.
"They were a captain, an oiler, a cook, and a correspondent, and they were friends."

4.
"...there was this comradeship, that the correspondent, for instance, who had been taught to be cynical of men, knew even at the time was the best experience of his life."

Answer 1

The sentence that best captures the theme is:

2. "It would be difficult to describe the subtle brotherhood of men that was here established on the seas."

This sentence encapsulates the essence of the relationships formed among the men in the boat, emphasizing the deeper connection and sense of brotherhood that is central to the passage.