In stephen crane's "to the maiden," why does the sailor view the sea as "dead grey walls" on which is written the "grim hatred of nature"? the sailor's inability to appreciate beauty in the natural world causes him to think this way. the sailor is naturally pessimistic and therefore always sees the negative side of things. the sailor's lack of familiarity with the sea leads him to develop this ignorant perspective. the sailor's negative experiences with the sea have led him to develop this perspective.