How does the setting of "The Most Dangerous Game" influence the conflict between Rainsford and Zaroff and the conclusion of the story?

It is well worth looking at how the story itself describes
the dangerous setting of this excellent short story of suspense. Consider what General
Zaroff says to Rainsford:

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"This island is called Ship-Trap... [The lights]
indicate a channel.. where there's none; giant rocks with razor edges crouch like a sea
monster with wide-open jaws. They can crush a ship as easily as I crush this
nut."

Notice how the island
is described - it is full of danger and a simile is used to compare the island to a
massive monster with giant, dangerous teeth. This clearly shows the danger that there is
the island, but of course this is a danger that is not merely restricted to its natural
characteristics, but the deadly "game" that Zaroff and Rainsford will play on it. It is
a brutal place, with no softness, where every move could be your last and danger is
always around the corner.

Thus the setting clearly
establishes the kind of arena where the "game" will be played, foreshadowing the danger
and violence.