The Most Dangerous Game 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——”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 opening passage of "The Most Dangerous Game," Richard Connell employs figurative language to imbue Ship-Trap Island with an aura of mystery and foreboding, reflecting a cultural setting steeped in superstition and fear surrounding the unknown. The phrase "a suggestive name, isn’t it?" highlights the ominous connotations associated with the island. The use of the word "trap" evokes a sense of danger and entrapment, suggesting that the island may possess treacherous qualities, aligning with sailors' "curious dread." This choice of words signifies a cultural belief that certain places are infused with malevolence or attract misfortune, enhancing the tension in the narrative.

Whitney's mention of "superstition" further underscores the cultural setting's reliance on folklore and myth. The use of the word conveys an understanding that sailors, often governed by tradition and collective beliefs, attribute their fears to unexplainable phenomena. By revealing these cultural elements, Connell sets the stage for the impending conflict between civilization and primal instincts, suggesting that the natural world is rife with dangers that challenge human perceptions of safety. This interplay of fear and mystery not only establishes the island as a significant character in the story but also reflects the broader cultural attitudes toward the unpredictable elements of nature.