The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell

Question

"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.

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

Answer 1

In the opening passage of "The Most Dangerous Game," Richard Connell employs figurative language to evoke the eerie and foreboding atmosphere surrounding Ship-Trap Island, reflecting the cultural setting of fear and superstition tied to maritime lore. The description of the night as "dank" and "palpable" conveys a sense of heaviness and oppression, characterizing the tropical environment as both lush and menacing. The phrase "thick warm blackness" further amplifies the oppressive atmosphere, suggesting that the island is not just a physical space but one imbued with an ominous aura that elicits dread among sailors, as noted by Whitney. This suggests that the island is shrouded in mystery, heightening the tension that will unfold in the narrative.

Additionally, the use of simile—"like moist black velvet"—invites readers to visualize the sensory experience of the night, enriching the setting with tactile imagery that brings the oppressive darkness to life. By framing the island within the context of sailors' superstitions and fears, Connell effectively sets the stage for a culture that values the stories of the sea, where unknown lands carry both allure and danger. This foundational ambiance not only foreshadows the brutal events that will transpire but also roots the characters' exploration in the human instinct to probe the unknown while grappling with the pervasive fears that come with it.