What theme is highlighted in this excerpt from "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell?

Rainsford remembered the shots. They had come from the right, and doggedly he swam in that direction, swimming with slow, deliberate strokes, conserving his strength. For a seemingly endless time he fought the sea.

speed

perseverance

ruthlessness

bloodlust

The correct answer should be "perseverance" because Rainsford persevered through the endless swimming and because of his "battle" with the sea.

The theme highlighted in the mentioned excerpt would be perseverance.

The excerpt tells of Rainsford's courageous act of braving the sea to go to the direction of the shots despite of the harsh conditions at the sea. This is evidenced by the phrase "he fought the sea".

The term "doggedly" also describes a persistent pursuit which was what Rainsford showed. He showed perseverance in his actions.