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.


( A.) speed

( B.) perseverance

( C.) ruthlessness

( D.) bloodlust