“Most Dangerous Game” By Richard Connell

About the Author Connell was born on October 17, 1893 in Poughkeepsie, NY He was the son of editor and reporter for the local paper. His father’s connections at the paper later proved useful for Connell, as by the age of 18 he secured a job as an editor. He attended Georgetown and Harvard. He also served in World War I During his service he wrote and edited the camp newspaper. Connell married Louise Herrick Fox in 1919. His work was published in both the Saturday Evening Post and Collier’s Weekly. Connell died in Beverly Hills, CA at the age of 56. http://www.gradesaver.com/author/richard-connell/

Plot Outline 1. Rainsford talks about hunting with Whitney. 2. Rainsford falls overboard. 3. Rainsford swims to a nearby island. 4. Rainsford meets Zaroff. 5. During dinner, Zaroff describes his hunting practices. 6. Zaroff invites Rainsford to hunt. 7. On the third day of the hunt, Rainsford escapes Zaroff’s pursuit. 8. Rainsford hides in Zaroff’s bedroom. 9. Zaroff and Rainsford fight. 10. Rainsford sleeps in Zaroff’s bed.

Setting… Where? Ship Trap Island… Would the story be the same, if it took place in the city?

Major Characters Sanger Rainsford  is a world-renowned big-game hunter and the story’s protagonist. Intelligent, experienced, and level-headed, Rainsford uses his wits and physical prowess to outwit General Zaroff. His understanding of civilization and the relationship between hunter and prey is radically transformed during his harrowing days on the island. The three-day chase reverses his life of privilege and ease, forcing him to sacrifice comfort and luxury to survive. http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-most-dangerous-game/characters.html

Major Characters… continued General Zaroff  is a Russian Cossack and expatriate who lives on Ship-Trap Island and enjoys hunting men. General Zaroff’s high cheekbones, sharply defined nose, and pointed military mustache accentuate his mysteriousness and savagery. With a cultivated voice and deliberate, slightly accented way of speaking, his regal bearing and rarefied aristocratic air belie his dementia and sadism. He hunts human beings to experience the most satisfying. http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-most-dangerous-game/characters.html

Minor Characters Whitney -  Whitney is Rainsford’s friend and traveling companion. On the yacht, Whitney suggests to Rainsford that hunted animals feel fear. Whitney feels anxious as they sail near the mysterious Ship-Trap Island. He argues that evil emanates in waves like light and sound. Ivan -  Ivan is a Cossack and Zaroff’s mute assistant. A man of formidable physical stature, Ivan has a waist-length black beard and wears a black uniform. All of Zaroff’s captives prefer to flee from Zaroff as prey rather than suffer torture and certain death at Ivan’s hands. http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-most-dangerous-game/characters.html

Literary Elements… How? Characterization Direct characterization is a description of the character’s attributes as seen by the author. In this story, physical descriptions are provided by the author. Indirect characterization involves the reader being allowed to watch the character as he/she interacts throughout the story. In this story, the reader is allowed to observe the actions and conversations within the story. Irony A discrepancy between appearances and reality. In the story, irony is shown when Rainsford states, “You’re a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?” (p. 17) Setting The time and location in which a story takes place. In the story, the location of the “hunt” is essential. Suspense A feeling of uncertainty and curiosity about what will happen next in the story. In this story, the reader may be asking, “Will Rainsford survive?”

Theme… Why? Theme can be defined as the insight human life that is revealed in literary work. Reason versus Instinct Pitting Rainsford and General Zaroff against each other in the hunt allows Connell to blur the line between hunter and prey, human and animal, to suggest that instinct and reason are not as mutually exclusive as people have traditionally thought. http://www.sparknotes.com/short-stories/the-most-dangerous-game/themes.html

Let’s see a Hollywood presentation Rainsford falls off a yacht and into a terrifying world of savagery like he never fathomed possible. NOTE: You can insert a short video (no more than 5-6 minutes)of the short story…