1. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell
2. Background This is written shortly after World War I which internationally exposed people to the brutalities and inhuman nature of war. The wealthy class often hunted animal for sport. Theodore Roosevelt had popularized the idea of “big game” hunting for sport.
3. Before you read- Agree or Disagree ___ Hunting is a sport or game. ___ Animals have no feelings and are inferior. ___ Hunting should only be done for food. ___ Hunting is not fair. ___ Strength is more important than intellect.
4. Review of Pertinent Literary Elements Setting- the where + the when + the scene. Characterization- a description of the qualities or peculiarities or significant details of a character creating their identity. Conflict-the tension between what the main character or protagonist wants and what is in his or her way. Theme-a recurring idea throughout a work
5. Setting in The most Dangerous Game Basic Time and Place= Caribbean sea during the early 20th century Setting 1- A ship at sea A dark moonless warm night. (begins in security or tranquility) The ship represents safety on a treacherous sea and the narrator falls off the ship in to danger. Setting 2- The Island (Ship-Trap Island) is isolated and ambiguous setting up a particular series of events. The island is natural yet unforgiving and hostile.
6. Characters Main Characters Rainsford- protagonist (hero) who falls off the ship and becomes the central prey in the game who is intelligent experienced and witty. Zaroff- Antagonist (villain) The Hunter in the game. The big game hunter more mysterious savage and is driven by the thrill of the hunt. Minor Characters Whitney --Rainsford’s friend and traveling companion. On the yacht, he suggests to Rainsford that hunted animals feel fear. Ivan- Zaroff’s assistant
7. Conflict The obvious and direct external conflict is Rainsford’s need to survive and he must overcome Zaroff as prey in a hunt to accomplish this. The story also serves as an allegory exploring the nature of man. The discussion or dialogue between the two men initiates a more philosophical conflict regarding the purpose of hunting and arrogance of man. Zaroff views hunting as a game to project his superiority and only values hunts that are a challenge, while Rainsford hunts for the purpose of survival. Zaroff views the possibility of outwitting Rainsford as his greatest challenge.
8. Themes Reason vs. Instinct- The nature of man being able to reason is more often superior to the instinct to survive, but that is blurred in the story. The Effects of War- Zaroff has responded to war with a never ending thirst for power over other’s lives. This fuels his hatred of others and inflated ego. Rainsford only recalls the desperation of war and his instinct is to avoid these types of difficult violent conflicts.
9. Symbols and Figurative Language Darkness Look in the text for references to the natural darkness outside and the inner darkness of human cruelty and evil “Blood-warm waters” Castle on the Cliff- Castle represents power and the cliff represents sudden difficult dangers. Animal or human traits of the sea “muttering” “growling” Animal lust of the land “licked its greedy lips” “unbroken front of snarled and ragged jungle”
10. Key Questions for Consideration Discuss the various ways that light is used on the story to set a mood. How does this contribute to the development of the story? How do the settings of the ship and an island contribute to the story? Describe at least two ways the title “The Most Dangerous Game” could be read and how each way contributes to the story.