The Most Dangerous Gameby 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——”

Question

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 passage from "The Most Dangerous Game," Richard Connell employs figurative language to evoke a sense of mystery and foreboding surrounding Ship-Trap Island. The phrase "a suggestive name" hints at the ominous reputation of the island, suggesting that its name carries implications of danger and entrapment. By describing sailors as having a "curious dread" of the place, Connell invokes cultural motifs of superstition and fear that often accompany unknown territories in maritime folklore. This use of figurative language not only sets a tense atmosphere but also reflects broader themes of civilization versus savagery, as the island becomes a symbol of the unknown and the primal instincts that drive humanity.

Additionally, the dialogue between Whitney and Rainsford establishes a cultural context rooted in the anxieties of early 20th-century exploration and adventure. The mention of "old charts" evokes a sense of historical mystique, suggesting that the island has a long-standing, perhaps ominous, presence in sailors' lore. The suggestion of superstition connects to a broader cultural depiction of the sea as a perilous and unpredictable force, reinforcing the theme of nature's unpredictability versus human control. Through this figurative language, Connell effectively immerses readers in a setting rife with tension, setting the stage for the impending conflict that defines the narrative.