"The Men in the Storm" is a warm story by Stephen Crane, relating to the struggles of homeless men against the cold, the elements, and hunger, while trying to keep a certain level of human dignity and optimism. As a short-story writer, Crane is best known for "The Open Boat", thought by many to be the best short story ever written; "The Blue Hotel", and "The Bride Comes to Yellow Sky".

"The Men in the Storm" follows the storms and forces of nature Crane uses so well in "The Blue Hotel" and "The Open Boat". This story deserves to be right up there with the top three. (As Simply says, this is not an NFL Power ranking, or a compare-and-contrast assignment. This is your opportunity to enjoy many of Crane's other illuminating and moving works.)

The men are wandering during the day and must seek rest for the night. They line up, pushing and shoving, to get into the magical place for warmth and comfort. A policeman joins them and rather gently keeps the peace while the men wait to be let in when the door opens for the night. When it finally opens, the men push and shove until, at the last moment, they are about to enter and each one regains a dignity, moment of self-worth, and happiness. Another remarkable Stephen Crane ending.