1. Short Story Unit English I – Mrs. Frye

2. “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell
Cosmopolite
A citizen of the world
Debacle
Failure
Zealous
Devoted; diligent
Affable
Friendly
Tangible
Able to be touched
Quarry
A cave-like pit
Palpable
Able to be touched; tangible
Amenity
A courtesy
Condone
To allow or overlook
Naïve
Unsophisticated; lack of knowledge
Futile
Useless

3. Conflict: the issue or problem in a story
Rainsford (human) vs. Caribbean Sea (nature)
This conflict occurs when Rainsford falls off of the boat and struggles to swim to shore against the battling waves of the Caribbean Sea.
Rainsford (human) vs. Zaroff (human)
This conflict occurs when Rainsford and Zaroff are playing the “game” and Rainsford is being hunted, attempting to save his own life from the crazed Zaroff.
Rainsford (human) vs. Rainsford (himself)
This conflict occurs when Rainsford has to keep himself calm and outwit Zaroff during the game, not letting his emotions get the best of him and causing him to get caught by Zaroff.

4. Who is the protagonist in the story?
Sanger Rainsford
Who is the antagonist in the story?
General Zaroff
Give an example of a metaphor in the story.
“The lights of the yacht became faint and ever-vanishing fireflies.”
Give an example of a simile in the story.
“His black eyebrows and pointed military mustache were as black as the night from which Rainsford had come.”
What is the mood of the story?
Suspenseful

5. Who is the narrator of the story?
An outsider
What point of view is the story being told from?
Third person limited (only know Rainsford’s thoughts)
What is the theme of the story?
Violence, cruelty and revenge
General Zaroff
Russian Cossack; sophisticated language; hunter; high cheekbones; sharply defined nose; pointed mustache; savage.
Sanger Rainsford
Falls off boat; intelligent; experienced hunter; level-headed.

6. What is meant by “He lived a year in a minute”?
Ivan
Zaroff’s guard; huge; mute; waist-length beard; black uniform
Whitney
Rainsford’s friend; compassionate about emotions
Neilsen
Captain of the yacht
What is meant by “He lived a year in a minute”?
Time flew by because it was such a suspenseful atmosphere as Rainsford waited for Zaroff to hunt him.
What is meant by “I am still a beast at bay”?
Rainsford is still going to fight Zaroff though the game is “over.”

7. In which sea has Connell set Ship-Trap island?
The Caribbean Sea
How is Zaroff able to finance his lifestyle?
By investing in American investments
If Rainsford wins the hunt, what does Zaroff promise him?
He’ll let him go and continue his hunt for jaguars
What happened to Lazarus?
He sunk in quicksand and died
Where does Rainsford spend the first night of his hunt?
In a tree
How many acres did Zaroff’s father have in the Crimea?
Quarter of a million acres

8. Why does Zaroff suggest Rainsford wear moccasins?
They hide footprints better
What caused Rainsford to believe Zaroff knew he was hiding in the tree? Do you think he was right? Give reasons.
Because he stopped, smiled and blew smoke. Yes, he knew but didn’t attack because he wanted a “better” hunt
How does Zaroff stock his island with “game”?
He allows the rocks to wreck ships (Ship-Trap Island)
What happened to General Zaroff at the end of the story?
Rainsford kills him.
Despite being hurt, Zaroff congratulates Rainsford on his “Malay-Mancatcher.” Why?
Because it was well-made and unique, but he has been to Malacca and seen them so it wasn’t new to him.
How do we know Rainsford is an exceptionally fit man?
He can pull himself out of pits, build traps and run/swim long lengths.

9. Due: Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Ship-Trap Island Map
Due: Tuesday, September 6, 2011