1. The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell (p. 67) Published in 1924

2. Equation of Literary Elements
Plot +
Setting +
Characterization +
Title +
Point of view +
Symbol =
____________
THEME
ARTISTIC
UNITY
ARTISTIC
UNITY
ARTISTIC
UNITY
ARTISTIC
UNITY

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. 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?

8. 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?

9. Theme
Theme?
Hunting is cruel?
Don’t hunt humans?

10. 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