<span>This line of dialogue shows that Rainsford is a rational man. He does not believe in superstition. He is aware that people in a group may disregard their own decision making and critical thinking facilities in favour of confomity within the group. If a superstitious idea begins to gain traction amongst the men, they may succumb to mass hysteria. Rainsford hopes to calm the fears of the listener by telling them indirectly to disregard their own fears about the island.</span>
