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While the setting of “The Call of Cthulhu” is not necessarily one of its most emphasized components, the various locales that Lovecraft references throughout play a key role in highlighting the contrast between Western civilization and the vast unknowns of the universe. Thurston’s journey takes him to a number of different cities and countries, a choice which establishes a sense of realism early on. Professor Angell and Wilcox live in Rhode Island, Thurston is from Boston, Inspector Legrasse works in New Orleans, and Johansen sails the Emma out of New Zealand. These locations, along with those of others affected by the Cthulhu cult, do not arouse much suspicion because of how recognizable they are. Perhaps the most surprising aspect of this particular collection of places is how international they are, a detail which ultimately contributes to the image of just how wide-reaching the Cthulhu cult truly is.
Emphasizing the relatively normal settings of Thurston’s world makes R’lyeh seem even more strange and terrifying by comparison. Although Lovecraft does not spend a considerable amount of time developing R’lyeh as a location, its unnatural qualities quickly become evident. An island that rises out of the middle of the ocean, Cthulhu’s resting place is covered in green stone and ooze. Its vast structure defies logic and is so foreign to Johansen and his crew that they immediately feel unsettled as they step ashore. Taking advantage of this contrast is yet another way in which Lovecraft emphasizes the frightening nature of the unknown. R’lyeh may be one location, but it seems to dwarf every human city in comparison in terms of size and impact.
