In this passage from Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game," the author employs figurative language to evoke a sense of mystery and foreboding surrounding Ship-Trap Island. The phrase "a suggestive name, isn’t it?" highlights the ominous connotations associated with the island, implying that its very name carries a weight of danger and intrigue. The use of the word "dread" suggests that sailors' feelings about the island are not merely superstitious; rather, there is something instinctual and deeply rooted in their cultural experience that warns them away from this place. This language creates an uneasy atmosphere, indicating that the island is not just a geographical location but a character in its own right, shrouded in fear and myth.
Furthermore, the mention of "old charts" hints at a long history of maritime lore, which ties into the broader cultural setting of sailors and their beliefs. The reference to superstition reflects the cultural practices of seafarers—who often relied on oral traditions and cautionary tales to navigate both the physical and metaphysical dangers of the sea. By combining these elements, Connell presents Ship-Trap Island as a mysterious entity that embodies the fears and cultural narratives of those who traverse the water, setting the stage for the ensuing conflict in the story.