1. "The Highland Clearances": The novel is set in the 18th century, during a period of intense social upheaval in Scotland. The Highland Clearances, where landowners evicted tenants to make way for sheep farming, was a brutal reality. However, Stevenson avoids directly calling it "eviction." Instead, he often refers to it as "shifting" or "moving."
2. "The Jacobite Rebellion": The Jacobite Rebellion, a series of uprisings aimed at restoring the Stuart monarchs to the throne, was a violent and dangerous time. Stevenson doesn't shy away from the violence but often refers to it as "trouble" or "unrest" to soften the impact.
3. "Violence and Death": While the story has violent scenes, Stevenson doesn't dwell on the gore or the details of death. He uses phrases like "met his end" or "fell in the fray" to avoid graphic descriptions.
4. "Social Class and Power": The novel depicts a stark contrast between the wealthy landowners and the impoverished tenants. Stevenson uses indirect language like "gentlemen" and "common folk" to highlight the power imbalance without being overly judgmental.
5. "The Sea": The sea, a recurring element in *Kidnapped*, is both beautiful and treacherous. Stevenson uses the sea as a metaphor for life's uncertainties and the harsh realities of survival. He evokes the sea's vastness and power to convey the immense challenges faced by the protagonists.
Overall, Stevenson's use of euphemisms in *Kidnapped* is not about hiding the harsh realities of his era. Instead, it's a technique to enhance the story's literary impact. He creates a sense of subtle tension and ambiguity by using words that are both evocative and suggestive. It's a masterclass in literary craft!