The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell (p. 67) Published in 1924
Equation of Literary Elements Plot + Setting + Characterization + Title + Point of view + Symbol = ____________ THEME ARTISTIC UNITY ARTISTIC UNITY ARTISTIC UNITY ARTISTIC UNITY
Types of Conflict in “The Most Dangerous Game” Plot Types of Conflict in “The Most Dangerous Game” Person vs. Person physical moral Person vs. Nature Person vs. Self emotional Identify where these various conflicts occur.
Aspects of Plot involving inexplicable Chance and Coincidence The mystery of the hidden island is implausible Social control of captive sailors is not adequately explained The aberration between Zaroff’s cultivated and primitive natures is not explained Falling overboard in search of a pipe is hard to believe Such a meeting of two great hunters is unlikely
Ship-Trap Island Setting The setting is ambiguous—an isolated island essential to the plot but not adequately explained The date is uncertain, but the story spans 4 days The setting is both hostile and friendly It is both natural and man-made
Characters Which are round? Flat? Stock? Static? Developing? Characterization Which are round? Flat? Stock? Static? Developing? Protagonist = Rainsford Antagonists= Zaroff and Ivan Minor character = Whitney
Title and Point of View Title Title and Pt. of View Title and Point of View Title What is the play on words? How does the title contribute to the effect of the story? Third person limited point of view is used Find evidence for this Why is it more effective than omniscient?
Figurative Language/Metaphor Symbolism Figurative Language/Metaphor Darkness Look in the text for references to the natural darkness outside and the inner darkness of human cruelty and evil “Blood-warm waters” 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” Other metaphors and symbols?
Theme Theme? Hunting is cruel? Don’t hunt humans?
Why escapist? Plot is based mainly on suspense and entertainment rather than on in-depth character exploration Plot has too many improbabilities Setting is in an unbelievable social environment Characters lack depth, and Zaroff is not a plausible character There is an overall lack of artistic unity Mainly - no substantial theme