It appeared that the swift wings of their desires would have shattered against the iron gates of the impossible.

Greco-Turkish War
Despite contentment in Jacksonville and the need for rest after his ordeal Crane became restless. Meanwhile Crane's affair with Taylor quickly blossomed. Portrayed favorably and heroically by the press Crane emerged from the ordeal with his reputation enhanced if not restored after the battering he received during the Dora Clark affair.

Prolific throughout his short life he wrote notable works in the Realist tradition as well as early examples of American Naturalism and Impressionism. Having little interest in university studies he left school in 1891 and began work as a reporter and writer.