The Most Dangerous Game

Question

by Richard Connell

"Off there to the right somewhere is a large island," said Whitney. "It's rather a mystery-
"What island is it?" Rainsford asked.
"The old charts call it 'Ship-Trap Island," Whitney replied. "A suggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. I don't know why. Some superstition”"Can't see it," remarked Rainsford, trying to peer through the dank tropical night that was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht.
"You've good eyes," said Whitney, with a laugh, "and I've seen you pick off a moose moving in the brown fall bush at four hundred yards, but even you can't see four miles or so through a moonless Caribbean night."
"Nor four yards," admitted Rainsford. "Ugh! It's like moist black velvet.”"It will be light enough in Rio," promised Whitney. "We should make it in a few days.

Use the passage to answer the question.

In 1-2 paragraphs, analyze how the author uses figurative language to reveal elements of the story's cultural setting.

Answer 1

In the excerpt from "The Most Dangerous Game," Richard Connell employs figurative language to create a vivid depiction of the tropical setting that contributes to the story's atmosphere and cultural context. The description of the night as "palpable" and as pressing "its thick warm blackness" immerses the reader in the sensory experiences of the Caribbean environment. This portrayal evokes a sense of mystery and foreboding, highlighting not only the physical attributes of the setting but also the psychological implications of isolation and danger that accompany it. The reference to "moist black velvet" further enhances the sensory richness, emphasizing the heaviness and obscurity of the night while reinforcing the idea that the characters are encroaching upon an unknown territory that is both alluring and threatening.

Moreover, the name "Ship-Trap Island," along with Whitney's comments about sailors harboring dread towards it due to superstitions, serves as a crucial cultural element of the story. It reflects the maritime lore and fears that are inherent to the lives of sailors navigating the Caribbean. The island's ominous designation and the characters' apprehension foreshadow the perilous events that are about to unfold, merging cultural beliefs with the physical setting to heighten tension. Connell's use of figurative language not only establishes the mood but also illustrates how cultural understandings of place influence the characters' perceptions and experiences within the narrative, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict.