1. “The Most Dangerous Game” Close Reading Activity
By Richard Connell
Close Reading Activity
Literary Analysis
Literary Elements:
Setting
Conflict
Character
Plot
Suspense
Foreshadowing

2. How does the phrase “blood-warm waters” help build suspense?
Literary Analysis
Page 20 - Setting
How does the phrase “blood-warm waters” help build suspense?

3. Literary Analysis Page 21 – Character and Setting
Highlight the words and phrases used to describe the setting.
What do Rainsfords actions reveal about his character?

4. Literary Analysis Page 22 – Building Suspense
Highlight the details that describe the setting.
Which details about the setting suggest this island will be dangerous to the protagonist?

5. Literary Analysis Page 22-23 - Setting
Highlight the details that describe the setting.
Which details about the setting are most vivid?
Do any of the details create a feeling of uneasiness or concern as you read them?

6. Literary Analysis Page 23 – Building Suspense
Highlight the details that describe Zaroff and Ivan.
What seems unusual or disconcerting about the setting and characters?

7. Literary Analysis Page 25 – Character Traits
Identify the details revealed about Zaroff’s character.
What conclusion can you draw about his views?

8. Literary Analysis Page 26 – Character Development
Identify the details revealed about Zaroff’s character.

9. Literary Analysis Page 26 – Character Development
What could this “new” animal be?
How does idea add to the suspense of the reader?

10. Literary Analysis
The key to analyzing a text is careful reading and re-reading
Understanding the essential literary elements allows the reader to focus on important details
Being able to make strong clear connections among the details, elements, and your own ideas/claims is the goal of a solid literary analysis