What are the conflicts in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

This is a good question. In “The Most Dangerous Game,” there are several types of struggles. The most obvious struggle is the one between Rainsford and general Zaroff. Rainsford is a big game hunter and Zaroff is a maniacal general who seeks the thrill of hunting humans. The second type of struggle is the one between man and nature. Rainsford, first of all, falls off a ship, so there is a battle with nature. Second, when he is on the island, he has to survive the island itself. This part is especially difficult because this island is new to him. Zaroff, on the other hand, knows the island well.

The final and perhaps the most important challenge is that he has to face himself, his own doubts, and his own fears. In some ways, we can argue that this last challenge is the most difficult. Without conquering his own fears, Rainsford would not be able to do anything. Here is quote that shows that Rainsford has to battle himself and his fears.

He stood there, rubbing his injured shoulder, and Rainsford, with fear again gripping his heart, heard the general's mocking laugh ring through the jungle.

Here is another quote that shows that Rainsford’s fears are deepening.

At daybreak Rainsford, lying near the swamp, was awakened by a sound that made him know that he had new things to learn about fear.

In the end, Rainsford manages to conquer his own fears and because of this feat, he defeats Zaroff.

What are the conflicts in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Having told his friend Whitney that he did not care how the prey felt in the midst of being pursued by the hunter, Sanger Rainsford surprisingly finds himself in the very position of the one who is hunted. He then begins to rethink his previously held beliefs about prey, as well as his beliefs about killing.

After he swims ashore on Ship-Trap Island and discovers the chateau of General Zaroff, Rainsford's ideas about hunting are challenged by the jaded hunter who has lost his enthusiasm for hunting animals. He informs Rainsford,

Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if need be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong.

These words, which are not too different from the earlier thoughts that Rainsford has expressed to Whitney about hunting, soon frighten Rainsford as he learns that he is to be the prey to give Zaroff his "pleasure." It is at this point that Sanger Rainsford's internal conflicts begin. 

Internal conflict: Rainsford starts to have a new perspective about the prey of a hunt.

As he becomes the one pursued, Rainsford does not feel the excitement of the sport anymore. He begins to realize the fear that the hunted animal feels. On the first day, after the general somehow succeeds in following Rainsford's intricate and divergent trail through the jungle, Rainsford is surprised to see his enemy's smoke rings waft upward toward where he thinks he is hidden in a tree. He feels a shudder of horror when he sees that the general smiles and then turns back. 

Internal conflict: Rainsford strives to prevent fear and panic from overcoming him.

After he realizes that General Zaroff has successfully trailed him, Rainsford concludes in horror that the general is not in the least worried about capturing his prey since he leaves him for another day's adventure. This realization by Rainsford causes "cold horror" to run through his entire being. In a forced effort to regain control of his faculties, Rainsford repeats to himself, "I will not lose my nerve. I will not." Later, he draws on his knowledge and experience to create a Malay man-catcher. When the general approaches it, the experienced hunter recognizes the trap in enough time to jump back, receiving only a glancing blow on his shoulder. Nursing his injured shoulder, Zaroff returns to his chateau.

Next, Rainsford digs a pit and plants spikes in the bottom of it; he then camouflages the opening with a rough carpet of tree limbs, weeds, and small branches. When he hears his pursuer approaching at night, Rainsford hides. "He lived a year in a minute" as he waits. Someone falls into the pit, but it is only one of Zaroff's dogs. The general compliments Rainsford on his Burmese tiger pit and then thanks his prey for an amusing evening.

Internal conflict: Rainsford wrestles with his feelings about killing another man.

Sanger Rainsford is convinced from what Zaroff has told him, as well as from the gunshots and screams that he heard when he first swam ashore, that the "game" will only end with either his or Zaroff's death. 

During the days that Rainsford is hunted, he is forced to question his ethical beliefs. He struggles with his desire to survive and his feelings about killing another human being. Knowing that Zaroff will kill him unless he can first kill the general, Rainsford has a crisis of conscience. In order to save himself, Rainsford creates deadly traps, knowing that Zaroff can die if he falls a certain way. Further, this crisis seems to be resolved at the story's end with Rainsford's thoughts of never having slept in a better bed, even though the reader is not explicitly informed of the result of the duel between Zaroff and Rainsford.

What are the conflicts in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

An example of an internal conflict is Rainsford’s decision about whether to play the game or go to Ivan.

An internal conflict is a conflict a person has with his or her self.  It is a decision or a fear.  In this story, Rainsford finds himself on a remote island that happens to be inhabited by a madman who insists on hunting human beings for sport.  When Rainsford realizes his host does this, he accuses him of murder and refuses to participate in the game.  He is surprised by Zaroff’s reaction.

The general shrugged his shoulders and delicately ate a hothouse grape. "As you wish, my friend," he said. "The choice rests entirely with you. But may I not venture to suggest that you will find my idea of sport more diverting than Ivan's?"

Rainsford has to make a choice to be whipped by Ivan or hunted by Zaroff.  Since Ivan will most likely kill him, he doesn’t stand much of a chance.  Rainsford decides his best bet is to play the game and try to win it.

What are the conflicts in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

"The Most Dangerous Game," by Richard Connell, is full of conflict. In literary terms, conflict can be both internal and external, and there are subdivisions within each kind of conflict.

External conflict is perhaps the most obvious tension in this story. External conflict includes man vs. man, man vs. nature, and man vs. society. Obviously General Zaroff and Sanger Rainsford are in direct, man vs. man conflict when they hunt one another. Zaroff and Ivan are also in direct conflict with all the sailors who have "accidentally" shipwrecked on the island. Ivan and Rainsford also have a direct conflict.

A second form of external conflict is man vs. nature. Though we do not ever see it directly in this story, both Zaroff and Rainsford hunt big game animals, and Rainsford has to fight against Zaroff's dogs. As Rainsford tries to escape Zaroff, the island works against him (such as the quicksand), causing another man vs. nature conflict. Shiptrap Island is in a constant conflict with the ships and men who are lured onto the rocks, as well. When Rainsford falls off the boat, he has to fight for his life against the current and the rocks; and when he jumps off a cliff near the end of the story, Rainsford is against forced to battle for his life against the rocks below him.

Finally, Zaroff and Ivan are in an obvious conflict with society. There are many reasons why they live on an isolated, out-of-the-way island, but one of the primary ones is that they are hunting and killing humans for sport. Society does not condone such behaviour, obviously, so there is a conflict. Though Rainsford is forced to defend himself, killing another human being is against society's moral code; therefore, Rainsford is also in conflict with society.

The internal conflict in this story is limited to one character: Rainsford. He is the only one who experiences any self-doubt or has a conflict with his own conscience, and of course this conflict centers around his aversion to hunting and killing Zaroff. In the beginning of the story, Rainsford believes that the hunted deserve to be killed:

He does change his mind after he becomes the hunted and he does decide to kill, but it is only to save his life. We would like to think that anyone who hunts humans for sport has some sense of internal conflict about it, but clearly Zaroff is unmoved by his own hardened conscience. In fact, when Rainsford realizes what Zaroff intends to do, he says,

Every effective story has conflict; however, this story is replete with example of both internal and external conflicts. 

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The most prevelant theme is that of violence and cruelty, both literally and symbolically.

Literally, against the animals have died in Zaroff's violent hunts and in the way he is trying to murder Rainsford. Symbolically, part of the terror of Connell's novel is the way the reader empathisizes with Rainsford, experiencing with the character the inherent cruetly in Zaroff's "hunt."

You can learn more about the themes, characters, and other literary elements of this novel by visiting the link below.

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

I would argue that the overriding lesson of the story is that human beings are more than just animals, whatever General Zaroff might think. According to him, humans are simply a superior species of animal; nothing more, nothing less. And this species is itself divided between allegedly higher and lower specimens. (No prizes for guessing which subdivision Zaroff thinks he belongs to).

However, even the good guy of the story, Rainsford, appears to share Zaroff's repellent world view. His triumphant killing of Zaroff indicates that he too has internalized the morally reprehensible idea that human beings are just superior animals and that he, as one of the strongest specimens, is thereby entitled to take the life of an inferior specimen (i.e., General Zaroff).

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

There can be more than one moral or lesson in “The Most Dangerous Game” because it is a story with many themes.  One moral is that you should never underestimate your opponent.  Both Rainsford and Zaroff fall victim to doing this, and they both pay the price.

Rainsford finds himself stranded on an island, and he meets the strange inhabitant.  When he first meets General Zaroff, he does not realize that the man is thinking of hunting him.  He enters his house, has a meal with him, and has a conversation with him before realizing that he is in danger. 

Rainsford scoffs at his hose, and Zaroff responds.

The general shrugged his shoulders and delicately ate a hothouse grape. "As you wish, my friend," he said. "The choice rests entirely with you. But may I not venture to suggest that you will find my idea of sport more diverting than Ivan's?"

Rainsford is shocked when he realizes that Zaroff plans to hunt him.  He did not really consider what Zaroff was capable of.  Now he has to play his dangerous game.  Rainsford finds himself Zaroff’s prey because he did not stop to consider what kind of person Zaroff was.  He underestimated his opponent and paid the price.

Now, how does General Zaroff underestimate Rainsford?

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

"The Most Dangerous Game" has a strong thread of horror motifs. This motif is first apparent early in the story and only intensifies from there. First, the reader is greeted with a philosophical discussion on what hunting is like for prey, and an even longer discussion about bad feelings and evil. The name "Ship-Trap Island" with its craggy beach builds the mood further in a way that is only solidified by the Gothic appearance of the castle, complete with gargoyles and a huge, silent, threatening man at the door. The dinner is suspiciously lovely, but even then Zaroff makes Rainsford uncomfortable. Of course, there was already talk about bad feelings and what they mean in the beginning of this story, which allows this moment to be the perfect setup for the big reveal during dinner that Zaroff has been hunting humans.

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The answer to your question depends on which part of the story you're reading at the moment. In terms of a short story, conflict is what drives the plot; without some kind of conflict, there is no plot. There are several types of conflict:

• person vs. person
• person vs. nature
• person vs. society
• person vs. self
• person vs. technology

In "The Most Dangerous Game," you can find examples of almost all of these types of conflict. When Rainsford and Zaroff are in the midst of their "game," the conflict is person vs. person. When Rainsford falls off yacht and has to swim to shore, the conflict is person vs. nature.

Reread the story and see if you can find other examples of conflict.

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

One complex psychological theme is that of the superiority complex; which seems a modified representation of the Ubermensch as presented by Frederich Nietzche. Ubermensch is a German word for a man who is superhuman, or beyond humanity. With this superior human, then, God becomes irrelevant as man does not need to look beyond himself for contentment and satisfaction. 

General Zaroff fits this profile of the man who holds himself superior and beyond the reach of humanity and its laws. He has no use for moral law and God, setting his own rules and finding satisfaction in his life as he has fashioned it. Like for the Ubermensch, "God is dead" for Zaroff since he replaces God, deciding who will live and who will be captured or killed. For instance, the general, dressed in evening clothes at his magnificent dinner of filet mignon, tells his guest, Sanger Rainsford, "I have invented a new sensation." For this sensation, Zaroff adds, "I have had to invent a new animal to hunt." Certainly, in turning sailors and such into prey, Zaroff replaces God as he transforms people into his "inventions." 

When Rainsford is appalled to hear Zaroff talk of men that he hunts as "new animals" and "new sensations,"  he refuses to condone "cold-blooded murder"; in contrast, Zaroff declares,

"Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if need be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift?"

Clearly, Zaroff perceives himself as a superior human being--an Ubermensch--who chooses to hold men he considers as mere "game," and then hunt them for sport. The immorality of such a "dangerous game" of hunting as his is non-existent because the "dangerous game" are not considered human, but simply the "new animal." Like the Ubermensch, Zaroff holds that "God is dead"; that is, no morality enters into his arrangement as he plays the role of the superior being, who holds life and death in his hands alone.

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The primary themes in Richard Connell's short story, "The Most Dangerous Game," are those of (1) revenge, (2) violence and cruelty, and (3) man's inhumanity against man. The revenge factor doesn't actually appear in the story until the final paragraphs, when Rainsford reappears to begin the hunt anew with Zaroff.

   The general sucked in his breath and smiled. "I congratulate you," he said. "You have won the game."     Rainsford did not smile. "I am still a beast at bay," he said, in a low, hoarse voice. "Get ready, General Zaroff."

There are many examples of extreme violence, since both Rainsford and Zaroff are big game hunters and speak often of their past.

The general filled both glasses, and said, "God makes some men poets. Some He makes kings, some beggars. Me He made a hunter. My hand was made for the trigger, my father said... When I was only five years old he gave me a little gun, specially made in Moscow for me, to shoot sparrows with. When I shot some of his prize turkeys with it, he did not punish me; he complimented me on my marksmanship. I killed my first bear in the Caucasus when I was ten. My whole life has been one prolonged hunt. I went into the army--it was expected of noblemen's sons--and for a time commanded a division of Cossack cavalry, but my real interest was always the hunt. I have hunted every kind of game in every land. It would be impossible for me to tell you how many animals I have killed."

Zaroff's boredom of hunting animals leads him to hunt an even more dangerous game--the human kind. He deliberately causes ships to wreck upon the island's rocks, captures them, imprisons them, and then murders them.

   "Hunting? Great Guns, General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder."
   The general laughed with entire good nature. He regarded Rainsford quizzically. "I refuse to believe that so modern and civilized a young man as you seem to be harbors romantic ideas about the value of human life. Surely your experiences in the war--"
   "Did not make me condone cold-blooded murder," finished Rainsford stiffly.
   Laughter shook the general. "How extraordinarily droll you are!" he said. "One does not expect nowadays to find a young man of the educated class, even in America, with such a naive, and, if I may say so, mid-Victorian point of view. It's like finding a snuffbox in a limousine. Ah, well, doubtless you had Puritan ancestors. So many Americans appear to have had. I'll wager you'll forget your notions when you go hunting with me. You've a genuine new thrill in store for you, Mr. Rainsford."

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

As you can tell from the previous posts, this story has more than one theme. I'll add two new themes to the discussion. I believe that this story has a theme about the difference between murder and hunting. Rainsford and Zaroff have opinions on this matter that are polar opposites.  Rainsford sees a clear difference between hunting animals and hunting humans. Rainsford doesn't even see what Zaroff does as hunting. Rainsford sees it as murder.

"Hunting? Great Guns, General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder."

Zaroff, on the other hand, doesn't see what he's doing as murder. He believes that he is hunting. The only difference for Zaroff is that his new prey can reason.

That brings up a second theme. There is a theme about the difference between instinct and reason. This theme is introduced early on in the story. Whitney and Rainsford are both excited about their upcoming hunt. Whitney comments on the fact that the prey are likely to be terrified during the hunt, and Rainsford dismisses the concept that prey can experience emotions and reason.

"Perhaps the jaguar does," observed Whitney.

"Bah! They've no understanding."

This theme is further discussed once Rainsford talks to Zaroff. Zaroff explains that he hunts/murders humans because humans are the only prey available that can reason.

"The animal had nothing but his legs and his instinct. Instinct is no match for reason. . . That is why I use them. It gives me pleasure. They can reason, after a fashion. So they are dangerous."

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

I would have to agree with both posters regarding the themes of the text. Outside of those mentioned, I would tend to support that another theme for the short story is one of violence. Both Rainsford and Zaroff exhibit a violent nature (in order to survive). For Rainsford, his survival can be taken literally. As for Zaroff, his survival is based upon his need to hunt the most dangerous game (without this hunt, Zaroff would become bored and not find life worth living). Therefore, one can easily see the violence in the actions of both men.

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

A theme can be expressed different ways.  I like to think of a theme as a universal message.  One theme from this story might be "Don't underestimate a person's need to survive."  People will do things that they might never have otherwise done when they have no other choice.

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Here are a few others to consider:

• Survival of the fittest - The most dangerous game is a game of wit and skill. The story ultimately demonstrates who had more.
• The concept of the hunt - While Whitney and Rainsford are both still talking on the boat, they refer to the qualities of the quarry... and if a particular quarry has feelings. Then, the tables turned on Rainsford and he became the quarry. This could be a great theme to explore as we all feel like we're in both roles at various times in life. 

Hope that gives you a bit more to think about!

What is the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The primary conflict inThe Most Dangerous Game, is Rainsford vs. Zaroff.  Rainsford fights to survive, as Zaroff hunts him.  Rainsford uses traps he's learned as a hunter himself to slowly gain the advantage and ultimately turn the tables on Zaroff. 

There is also a secondary conflict between Rainsford and himself.  His entire life, Rainsford has been the Hunter (i.e. the Predator), he sees the hunt as a matching of wits between him and his prey, that he almost always wins.  Even if he loses (i.e. what he hunts gets away) he still lives.  Zaroff forces Rainsford to experience being the hunted (i.e. the Prey).  This gives Rainsford a whole new understanding of hunting. 

Zaroff also exposes Rainsford to what Rainsford could become, if he becomes too proficient as a hunter.  Zaroff took to hunting humans because animals didn't pose enough of a challenge anymore.  There was no peril to Zaroff if he "lost," and the animals lacked an intelligence that human prey offered.  This too contributes to Rainsford's internal conflict. 

What are the key elements of the plot in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Exposition -- Rainsford is traveling on a yacht and the reader learns of his hobby and enjoyment of hunting. He speaks with Whitney, who asks him how he thinks the animals feel during the hunt. Rainsford replies that he doesn't care - it's just an animal anyway. 

Rising Action - Rainsford accidentally falls off the ship and ends up on General Zaroff's island and in his gothic style mansion. Zaroff is relatively kind and welcoming, but something is off about him, his servant, Ivan, and his home. Rainsford then learns that General Zaroff has hunted all types of animals and now prefers to hunt men, because they have the ability to reason. 

Climax -- Rainsford learns that he is to become General Zaroff's next prey. He and the General participate in the hunt. Rainsford manages to set a trap and eventually kills Ivan, General Zaroff's servant. Zaroff chases Rainsford to a cliff.

Falling Action -- Rainsford jumps off the cliff and is presumed dead. Zaroff goes home and has a nice dinner. 

Resolution - Rainsford attacks General Zaroff in his home before bed. Rainsford kills Zaroff and sleeps in his bed that evening. 

What type of characterization is used in Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Like most pieces of good literature, "The Most Dangerous Game" uses a combination of direct and indirect characterization to develop Rainsford and Zaroff. In this particular story, Connell is not shy about using direct characterization. That makes sense, as "The Most Dangerous Game" is a short story and Connell has a limited amount of page space to create these characters. Direct characterization occurs when the writer reveals character traits in a direct manner via the narrator or another character's comments. We see the latter option at the beginning of the story when Whitney flatly states that Rainsford has good eyesight. Another good example of direct characterization occurs when Rainsford meets General Zaroff and the narrator directly tells us about Zaroff.

Rainsford's first impression was that the man was singularly handsome; his second was that there was an original, almost bizarre quality about the general's face. He was a tall man past middle age, for his hair was a vivid white; but his thick eyebrows and pointed military mustache were as black as the night from which Rainsford had come. His eyes, too, were black and very bright. he had high cheekbones, a sharp-cut nose, a spare, dark face, the fa of a man used to giving orders, the face of an aristocrat.

Indirect characterization is more subtle, and it requires readers to deduce traits of a character through how that character acts, speaks, appears, and so on. The following quote from Zaroff can be used to illustrate indirect characterization within the story.

Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and if need be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift? If I wish to hunt, why should I not?

Based on this quote alone, a reader can infer that Zaroff is somewhat opinionated as well as entitled. He is used to getting his way and doing what he wants, and he doesn't really care who he hurts in the process. Readers will see additional evidence of this through Zaroff's intentional capturing of humans for the sole purpose of hunting them down for sport. He simply doesn't have strong opinions on the sanctity of human life. As Rainsford and Zaroff battle each other, readers can also infer that both men are creative, cunning, bold, and tough, and that is what makes their cat-and-mouse game so thrilling to read. They truly are evenly matched opponents.

Who wins in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The winner of The Most Dangerous Game is you, the reader. You were able to put aside the important and unimportant things in your day and make some time to read one of the most tightly-plotted, succinct, fast-paced, adrenaline-pumping short stories ever written, and with luck, you came out the other end changed for the better; a better understanding of short-story mechanics; a better understanding of some age-old hunting techniques; a better understanding of the drive to live at any cost; and perhaps, a better appreciation for your life in a world where you will probably not be hunted for sport by a madman.

Probably.

(Yeah, the previous posters got all the good literary answers already.)

Who wins in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

In context of a hunt and of a game, which is the context of the story in accord with how Zaroff sets his part of the world up, then Rainsford is the clear winner. The difficulty arises when the win is viewed through a moral glass, whcih is precisely the point made by Connell: disregard for humankind's humanity--to focus only on humankind's scientific definition as part of the animal kingdom--is immoral.

Who wins in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

I have a very hard time seeing Zaroff as the winner here.  To me, there are three choices.

It could be Rainsford.  He's the obvious choice given that he is the one who stays alive.  He has also, as the first post says, gained some knowledge and understanding. If I didn't mind giving the obvious answer, he is the one I would choose.

It could be that the real winners are the sailors of the Caribbean.  Zaroff has been luring them to the island to be killed for years now.  At least that (we assume) will end.

I think, though, that I would say that no one wins in this story.  Zaroff dies, which can hardly be considered winning.  So has Rainsford won?  Perhaps.  But he is likely to be scarred by the whole thing.  He will presumably either A) have terrible memories of this harrowing event or B) feel so exhilirated by the experience that he simply takes over for Zaroff.  Many people suggest that this is the meaning of the last line of the story -- that he is going to take Zaroff's place.  In either situation, Rainsford is emotionally and/or morally harmed.  In that case, no one has won.

Who wins in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The question "who wins the most dangerous game" (from Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game") can be looked at in two very specific ways.

First, one could consider Rainsford the winner. He is able to defeat Zaroff's challenge and win at the game of survival. Another way that Rainsford can be considered the winner is in regards to a conversation which takes place between Rainsford and Whitney.

"Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. "You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?"

"Perhaps the jaguar does," observed Whitney.

"Bah! They've no understanding."

"Even so, I rather think they understand one thing--fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death."

Here, a reader can see that, in the end, Rainsford is able to see the point of the jaguar. Rainsford has become the prey and truly understands the fear of death. In regards to this, Rainsford has won.

The second way to consider who has won the most dangerous game would be to examine Zaroff. Zaroff could be considered a winner of the game given he was able to find the most dangerous game ever: Rainsford.

"I wanted the ideal animal to hunt," explained the general. "So I said, `What are the attributes of an ideal quarry?' And the answer was, of course, `It must have courage, cunning, and, above all, it must be able to reason."'

"But no animal can reason," objected Rainsford.

"My dear fellow," said the general, "there is one that can."

Here, Zaroff recognizes the importance of finding the most dangerous game. He has done this in "acquiring" Rainsford (a renowned hunter himself). The fact that he was able to lure one of the most renowned hunters of the time can be considered a win.

What is the basic situation in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The basic situation in Richard Connell's short story "The Most Dangerous Game" is that a world renowned American hunter named Sanger Rainsford accidentally comes to the island of General Zaroff, a former Russian military man who has a passion for hunting and, because he has become bored with hunting animals, now hunts men on his private island in the Caribbean Sea. Rainsford had been on his way to South America to hunt jaguars when he fell from his yacht after hearing what he thought was a gunshot coming from a nearby island. After struggling in the ocean, Rainsford makes it ashore to the island.

On shore, Rainsford discovers the empty cartridge of a twenty-two bullet, which puzzles him because it appears as though the bullet had brought down quite a large animal judging by the battered weeds which are stained with blood. The discovery proves to be foreshadowing as Rainsford soon learns that General Zaroff has devised a particularly diabolical "game" where he gives a man a head start and then tracks him through the jungle in a murderous contest which, before Rainsford had arrived, had always been won by Zaroff. Much of the story, then, is about Zaroff's relentless tracking of Rainsford and the American's ability to stay one step ahead.  

What are three topics in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Three topics in the story are the strong versus the weak, the value of life, and the danger of becoming the thing you feared.

First of all, in the beginning of the story, Whitney and Rainsford discuss the concept of weak and strong in terms of hunting animals.  Rainsford says that animals do not have feelings, and Whitney disagrees.  He says that hunting is fine for the hunter, but not for the jaguar. 

"Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. "You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?"

"Perhaps the jaguar does," observed Whitney.

This conversation foreshadows Rainsford becoming the prey instead of the hunter.  As the hunter, he was always the strong one in the hierarchy—the top of the food chain.  However, when he lands on Zaroff’s island, he becomes the weak one.  Zaroff is in charge, and the game is played by his rules.  Rainsford is the weak one, and he is playing the prey.

The theme here is that life is made of the weak and the strong.  Zaroff proclaims his life philosophy to Rainsford.

Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if needs be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong.

If you are strong, then good for you.  If you are weak, someone stronger will take advantage of you.

Next, the story explores the value of life.  Rainsford begins by proclaiming that a jaguar’s life is less valuable than a human’s.  He later experiences what the jaguar must feel when he himself is prey, but in the beginning of the story he discounts the jaguar’s life completely.

“Bah! They've no understanding."

"Even so, I rather think they understand one thing--fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death."

"Nonsense," laughed Rainsford. … The world is made up of two classes--the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters. …?"

He is not quite right about this, of course.  When Rainsford comes to Zaroff’s chateau and is invited to dinner, the topic of conversation is whether hunting humans is acceptable.  Zaroff claims that if the humans are inferior it is all right to kill them, but Rainsford calls it murder.  That is when he gets the lecture about life being lived for the strong.

"But they are men," said Rainsford hotly.

"Precisely," said the general. "That is why I use them. It gives me pleasure. They can reason, after a fashion. So they are dangerous."

To Zaroff, the men have value only in the entertainment they provide to him.  They have no choice in whether or not to play the game.  Rainsford sees the value of human life in our being innately human, but to Zaroff we have value only if we win, and we win if we are clever.  That’s why the winner of the game gets to go free.  He has proven his value.  If he loses, he loses, because has no value.

Finally, that brings us to becoming the thing you feared.  Rainsford accuses Zaroff of murder.  He stands on principle.  He does not believe in murder, and he has to be forced to play the game as prey because he will not play as predator, hunting alongside Zaroff.  However, when he wins, he becomes the thing he hates—a murderer.  He enters Zaroff’s house, and kills him.

It was not necessary to kill him.  Rainsford had won the game, and Zaroff was going to let him go—that was the agreement.

The general sucked in his breath and smiled. "I congratulate you," he said. "You have won the game."

Rainsford did not smile. "I am still a beast at bay," he said, in a low, hoarse voice. "Get ready, General Zaroff."

Rainsford kills Zaroff, and sleeps well that night because he does not feel any trouble with his conscience in his decision to kill the general.  He basically has become General Zaroff.  If he had felt any remorse, we would know.  Notice that the story has essentially no falling action or resolution here.  Rainsford comes in, fights Zaroff, apparently kills him and sleeps like a baby.  No conscience here! 

You become the thing you hate when you give up your principles.  Zaroff turned him.  He twisted his mind, over the course of the game, and ate away at his emotions until there was not enough left of the civilized Rainsford.  Perhaps he was so traumatized by the experience that it transformed him, or perhaps it stripped him down to who he really was.

In this story, we have a unique tale of two men on an island fighting for their lives.  It is a suspenseful and unusual tale that depicts the darker side of human nature, and reminds us that we are not that far removed from the animals.  The next time you decide to go hunting, remember that.

How does Richard Connell use characterization to develop the theme in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

In "The Most Dangerous Game," characterization, or the way characters are portrayed through descriptions, thoughts, and actions, helps to build the theme of the story because the protagonist is dynamic. A dynamic character changes from the beginning of the story to the end; therefore, as Rainsford's character changes, a theme is revealed. For example, at the start of the story, Rainsford and Whitney talk philosophically about hunting. Whitney considers the fact that a jaguar has feelings of fear and pain during a hunt. Rainsford, on the other hand, tells Whitney, "Who cares how a jaguar feels?" This discussion about hunting builds a foundation for a theme about whether it is ethical to kill animals since they have feelings and suffer from pain.

Over the course of the story, both the protagonist and the theme develop as Rainsford discovers exactly what it feels like to be "a beast at bay." The theme evolves from the morality behind hunting animals to whether one is ever justified in killing another person. For instance, in the beginning, the question that points to the theme is whether people are ethically justified to hunt animals. Well, how would a person feel if he or she is hunted? If a human is hunted like an animal, would that affect his or her philosophy about hunting and killing? To answer these questions, look at the climax and resolution of the story.

Who are the main characters in "The Most Dangerous Game" and what are their traits?

The protagonist of "The Most Dangerous Game" is Sanger Rainsford, an experienced trophy hunter who finds himself on Ship-Trap Island after falling off his yacht. On the island, he meets General Zaroff, a wealthy Cossack man who lives in a mansion with his servant.

Zaroff is the clear antagonist since he creates a "game" in which Rainsford is the prey for Zaroff to hunt on the island.

Rainsford is shown to be an experienced, clever hunter who is able to defeat Zaroff despite the latter’s equal experience. I somewhat disagree that Rainsford is "basically good" as the other educator states, however. Rainsford is shown to be rather arrogant in the exposition of the story, when he brags to Whitney about being a hunter and how any regard for the feelings of prey is a sign of weakness. These words, of course, come back to bite Rainsford when he finds himself on the other end of the equation. I do think Rainsford changes by the end of the story, since he now knows what it’s like to be hunted.

Zaroff is sophisticated and cold, as evidenced by his matter of fact discussion of the game and the toying he engages in when Rainsford hides in the tree. Ultimately, Zaroff’s resigned arrogance is what leads to his failure.

What is the exposition in Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The exposition of Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game" includes the presentation of the protagonist, Sanger Rainsford, and antagonist, General Zaroff.  Also introduced are the Caribbean setting of Ship-Trap Island, the foreshadowing of the conflict of the hunter and the hunted, and the creation of suspense that will drive the plot. 

Quite simply, the exposition of a short story is the beginning of the narrative, which introduces essential story elements. It is of great importance to the story because it provides information about setting, plot, characterization, and conflict. As Rainsford and his friend Whitney ride the sea a few days from Rio de Janeiro, they discuss the relationship of a big-game hunter and his prey. Whitney considers the fear the jaguar must feel when it is hunted, but Rainsford contradicts him,

"Nonsense.... This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes—the hunters and the huntees...." 

This statement and his earlier remark ("Who cares how a jaguar feels?") foreshadow the cruel and "dangerous game": Zaroff's hunt for Rainsford. Furthermore, Rainsford's words also indicate his attitude at this point. As he and Whitney continue their conversation, Rainsford dismisses as "pure imagination" the observations by the ship's captain about Ship-Trap Island's having an evil name. When asked if he feels the same, Whitney responds,

"Maybe. But sometimes I think sailors have an extra sense.... Sometimes I think evil is a tangible thing—with wavelengths, just as sound and light have. An evil place can, so to speak, broadcast vibrations of evil."

Later, after Whitney retires for the night, Rainsford remains on deck. In the dark distance, he hears gunfire. When he hurries to the rail of the ship, leaping upon it so he can see, his pipe is knocked from his mouth. Rainsford lunges for it, but he falls overboard. In desperation, he swims after the yacht, but no one hears his cries. So Rainsford heads toward the place from which he has heard the sounds of the gun. However, he knows that he can only swim so far.

Further, he hears a "high screaming sound...of an animal in an extremity of anguish and terror." Spurred by the hope of reaching these sounds that have come from the land, Rainsford swims some more. Finally, he hears the sound of the sea breaking on a rocky shore. After reaching this shore, Rainsford collapses on the beach. The next day he sees a chateau in the distance and heads toward it. After arriving at this chateau, he knocks at the door. It is here that Rainsford meets the antagonist of the story, General Zaroff.

What type of conflict dominates Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game" and why?

The previous answer does a good job in pointing out that the main conflict is between two men, but I would add that the main conflict is between two hunters. 

In the beginning of the story, Rainsford, the protagonist, and his friend, Whitney, are discussing hunting.  Within this conversation Rainsford says that the world can be broken down into two classes.  The hunter and the huntee.  Connell takes this classification and runs with it.  

When Rainsford finds himself on the island, he meets general Zaroff, a veritable sociopath, who invented a new game to satisfy his boredom.  In short, he hunts humans.  Eventually Rainsford is forced to play this game, and he becomes the huntee.  This situation does not last for long.  Rainsford realizes that this stance is a sure way to die.  So, he goes on the offensive.   By doing this, two hunters come against each other in conflict.

This point takes general Zaroff by surprise.  He does not even consider that Rainsford would do this.  This is precisely why he is shocked when Rainsford is waiting for him in his own house. 

From this perspective, we do see a dangerous game of life and death between two accomplished hunters. 

Now as to why Connell does this, we don't actually know for sure, as the story does not say explicitly.  However, we can take an educated guess.  

The story is about hunting.  So, the most exciting match would be between two hunters. 

Compare and contrast the main characters of "The Most Dangerous Game."

Richard Connel's short story "The Most Dangerous Game" features a protagonist, Sanger Rainsford, a big game hunter from New York City, and an antagonist, General Zaroff, a Cossack military man who has fled Russia after the revolution. They share a similar passion. Each is adept at big game hunting. When Rainsford accidentally falls off his yacht on the way to South America to hunt jaguars he comes ashore at Zaroff's island. The general lives with his servant, Ivan, in a large palatial chateau with all the "amenities of civilization." The men are similar in their affinity for hunting, yet are very different in their assessments of the value of human life. 

When Rainsford first meets Zaroff the general recognizes his guest because he has read Rainsford's book on "hunting snow leopards in Tibet." While Rainsford is a celebrated hunter, the general is a total fanatic for the hunt. Each of the men has pursued big game throughout the world, and they share their stories. In the beginning they also share the opinion that the game they hunt have no feelings and simply exist to bring pleasure to the hunter.

In the opening of the story, Rainsford explains his theory about the animals he hunts. When his friend Whitney suggests that their prey actually have feelings and suffer, Rainsford scoffs at the idea. He says,

"You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?...This hot weather is making you soft, Whitney. Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes--the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters."

What types of characterization are used in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

In his short story "The Most Dangerous Game," Richard Connel uses indirect characterization to describe the two main characters in the story. The reader also finds that by the end of the story the protagonist, Rainsford, is a dynamic character, meaning he changes over the course of the story.

Writers usually choose between direct or indirect characterization to reveal the traits of the characters in a story. With direct characterization the writer unequivocally tells us what the character is like. Indirect characterization shows things that reveal the personality of the character such as what the character says, what others say about him, his actions and how others react to him. 

The two main characters are Rainsford and General Zaroff. Both reveal themselves through what they say and their actions. In the beginning of the story Rainsford, who is a big game hunter, doesn't care about the feelings of the animals he hunts. In his discussion with Whitney on the yacht:

"Don't talk rot, Whitney," said Rainsford. "You're a big-game hunter, not a philosopher. Who cares how a jaguar feels?" 

What quote best supports the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Early in the story, Rainsford's traveling companion expresses empathy for the fear of a jaguar being hunted. Rainsford laughs the thought off, claiming "The world is made up of two classes -- the hunters and the huntees." After he discovers General Zaroff's secret, Rainsford is faced with the logical conclusion of that philosophy:

"Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if needs be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift? If I wish to hunt, why should I not?"
(Connell, "The Most Dangerous Game," fiction.eserver.org)

Zaroff is saying, in essence, the same thing as Rainsford, but taken to the extreme of the idea. If man is a reasoning animal in a world of hunter and prey, then man is just as acceptable to hunt as animals are. If a man -- Zaroff -- is powerful enough to capture and hunt men, he should be able to by virtue of his strength and by Rainsford's own admission. The moral distinction between man and animal is, in Zaroff's opinion, unimportant; only in civilization do humans create laws to prevent the strong from taking their rightful place.

What quote best supports the theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

There are a number of quotes that you could use, depending on how you see the story.  The nice thing about literature is that there's rarely just one answer.

Rainsford: Be a realist. The world is made up of two classes--the hunters and the huntees.

Whitney: I rather think they [the prey] understand one thing--fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.

Zaroff--Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if needs be, taken by the strong.

Compare and contrast the main characters in "The Most Dangerous Game."

There are two main characters in The Most Dangerous Game. They are: Sanger Rainsford and General Zaroff.

Sanger Rainsford is a big-game hunter of great repute. When the story opens he is traveling by sea, and makes light of his profession:

"The world is made up of two classes -- the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are hunters."

...

"...I'm a hunter, not a murderer."

He finds this philosophy challenged by General Zaroff, who agrees with him in a much broader sense: men fall into both categories instead of just one. His moral sense -- that man is not an animal to be hunted -- is repulsed by Zaroff's ideas, and he is forced over three days to reevaluate both his philosophy and his morals. Although he insists several times that hunting man is murder and he will not condone it, he sets traps clearly intended to kill; Rainsford is a pragmatist, but only when he has no choice. By the end of the story, Rainsford takes steps to kill Zaroff; he has other choices, including stealing a boat or freeing Zaroff's slaves and taking him prisoner, but he feels that Zaroff drove him to this position and must be eliminated. It is possible that he becomes interested in the lifestyle itself; the final line:

He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.

could be either a well-deserved rest or an embrace of the luxury that Zaroff lived in. If it is the latter, the change in his moral philosophy would have undergone an extreme shift.

General Zaroff is both Rainsford's compliment and polar opposite. He is a big-game hunter, a master of woodcraft and tracking, but he is also an aristocrat, a lover of fine wines and good music. He enjoys speaking of writers and poets, and feels that his heritage is as important as his chosen profession. However, he is also an extreme sociopath, with no moral boundaries or qualms. He views humanity as an animal on par with any other, only with the ability to reason instead of acting on instinct.

"Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if needs be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift? If I wish to hunt, why should I not?"

...

"It gives me pleasure. They can reason, after a fashion. So they are dangerous."

During the hunt Zaroff shows his mastery of tracking and manages to avoid every one of Rainsford's traps. His fatal mistake is overconfidence; he allows Rainsford to live no less than three times to extend the hunt. This pursuit of his pleasure over pragmatism -- a trait Rainsford exhibits -- is his downfall. Additionally, he cannot think that Rainsford could be so persistent as to risk death, only to return and risk it again to challenge him.

Rainsford and Zaroff are opposites morally, but in their actions they are more alike than not. Each has a driving need to win, if for different reasons, and each desires freedom: Zaroff from public persecution, and Rainsford from Zaroff. If Rainsford, at the end of the story, has become his enemy, then their only significant difference -- a defined moral compass -- has truly been erased.

What is an example of a motif in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

A recurring idea in The Most Dangerous Game is that there's a thin line between barbarism and civilization. We're reminded of this every time General Zaroff makes an appearance. On the face of it, he appears to be the very picture of culture and sophistication. Yet beneath this bored aristocrat's urbane exterior beats the heart of a savage. He sees nothing wrong with passing himself off as a gentleman while at the same time indulging in his sick hobby of hunting human prey.

As for Rainsford, he too must cut himself off from all remaining links to civilization if he's to survive. The only way he'll ever leave Ship-Trap Island alive is through getting in touch with his inner savage. That he does so with such relative ease is a further illustration of the story's central motif.

What is an example of a motif in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

A motif is a repeated idea in a story.  In this story, motifs are savagery and darkness.

In “The Most Dangerous Game,” Connell carefully weaves a story of betrayal and savagery.  General Zaroff’s system is a betrayal of civilization and humanity.  People just do not use each other for sport.  It’s against the social contract.  He also betrays Rainsford by forcing him to play the game.  Rainsford in turn betrays him symbolically by killing him instead of playing the game on the general’s terms.

The entire story pretty much takes place at night, so darkness is a literal concept.  However, the actions of the men are also dark.  General Zaroff has a dark soul.  Rainsford has to find the darkness in himself in order to survive.

What is the falling action and rising action of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The rising action begins with Rainsford's realization that Zaroff will hunt him.  It continues all through the hunt and ends when Zaroff believes Rainsford has fallen to his death off the cliff.  Rainford's supposed death is definitely the turning point in the story; some would argue it's also the climax.  Others will say Rainford's surprising Zaroff back at his chateau is the climax, but I tend to think it is the resolution.

In any case, the falling action is rather implicit and time-compressed.  We must deduce that it includes Rainsford swimming back to the chateau in order to hide behind the curtain.  Zaroff must hike back there too.  The falling action also includes the dialogue between the two before they fight.  That would make the fight, then, the resolution (although we flash forward through it).  And the last sentence, about Rainsford never sleeping better, is the denoument.

Good luck on your plot diagram...

What is a good essay topic from "The Most Dangerous Game"?

I suggest that a good topic for an essay about "The Most Dangerous Game" would be about how Rainsford changed as the result of his experience in being like a hunted animal. The story can only claim to be important if the viewpoint character undergoes a significant change. Rainsford is indifferent to the sufferings of the animals he hunts for sport until he realizes what they feel like when he himself is put in their position. There used to be an editorial adage that "Characters must change." A story cannot be considered significant if a viewpoint character goes through a highly emotional experience and comes out the same person he was before. That would be pulp fiction and hack writing. Rainsford may give up big-game hunting entirely. He could even become a conservationist. A good example of a viewpoint character who changes as a result of what he experiences in a story is Nick Carraway in F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby. In the end Nick decides to go back to the Midwest because he disapproves of what he has seen of the dissolute people in the East of the Roaring Twenties. Another good example of how a major character changes as a result of going through a number of highly emotional experiences would be Pip in Charles Dickens' Great Expectations.

What is a good essay topic from "The Most Dangerous Game"?

One of the best topics in "The Most Dangerous Game" is the conflict of Man vs. Man, or the struggle between two characters that defines the core of the story. Rainsford is captured by General Zaroff and made to play in his "game," the hunting of humans for sport. Rather than participate in the hunt as a hunter, Rainsford opts to be hunted as prey. The clash between Rainsford and Zaroff's hunting skills provides the suspense and the climax of the story.

Additionally, the difference between hunting for sport and hunting for necessity could be explored through Zaroff's entirely selfish actions -- he hunts only for sport, and chooses humans to provide a mental challenge -- and through Rainsford's pragmatic reactions -- he uses his hunting skills to fight back, killing because he knows he must to survive. If Rainsford played the game as Zaroff meant it to be played, he knows that he would die, so he instead chooses to alter the rules according to his knowledge of the hunt.

What is the background of the two main characters in "The Most Dangerous Game," and how are the two men different?

Sanger Rainsford is a well-known big game hunter and writer from New York. He is presently on his way to Rio de Janeiro, sailing the Caribbean in the relative luxury of a yacht. He has hunted all over the world, and his next objective is hunting jaguars along the Amazon River. Zaroff is a Russian Cossack and former general who hails from a wealthy background. His father owned thousands of acres in the Crimea, but Zaroff lost his lands when the czar was deposed. Turning his attentions to hunting, Zaroff, like Rainsford, traveled the world in search of the bigges game. Eventually, Zaroff built a magnificent chateau on little Ship-Trap Island where, bored with hunting wild animals, he turned to a more dangerous game.

Both of the men are accomplished at their sport. They both enjoy the finer things of life: Zaroff stocking his chateau with treasures from around the world and enjoying only the finest food, cigars and brandy. Rainsford is also used to a privileged lifestyle, leisurely sailing around the world in style while waiting for newly-ordered jaguar guns. Rainsford recognizes the quality of Zaroff's surroundings, and admires both the man and his tastes... at least until their opinions begin to differ on one important subject. Unlike Zaroff, Rainsford still enjoys the thrill of hunting wild game. "The best sport in the world," he says. Zaroff, meanwhile, has become bored with big game and has turned to the human kind. Rainsford is disgusted; he considers it murder. Zaroff explains that his human prey are "the scum of the earth," and that Rainsford's "scruples are quite ill-founded." Though he is of Russian royalty and adheres to a strict code of honor, Zaroff is a murderer; Rainsford (at least until the climactic conclusion) is not.

What are the rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The rising action begins with Rainsford trying not to drown in the ocean and making it to the island and Zaroff's Gothic mansion. Rainford meets Zaroff and finds out he is to be hunted and the hunt begins, leading to Rainsford's fight for his life in the jungle.  The falling action seems to take place right along with the climax during which Rainsford is waits for Zaroff in his bedroom and the two fight to the death.  The story ends with the reader assuming that Rainsford apparently wins the fight and gets to sleep in Zaroff's bed. We can assme Zaroff is dead. Brenda

What is the principal emphasis in "The Most Dangerous Game": plot, character, or theme?

Indubitably, plot is the most important element of Richard Conell's short story "The Most Dangerous Game."  For, it is a gripping sequence of events that intrigue the reader of this very original narrative.  With the elements of subtle and ominous foreshadowing, gripping conflicts, exciting plot reversals and an emotive climax, the plot of Connell's story is superb.

With the foreshadowing of the old taciturn Norweigan captain of Rainsford's ship who has said, "This place has an evil name among seafaring men," a name like Ship-Trap Island, immediately aroses the curiosity of the reader when Rainsford falls overbaord and swims to the island's shores.  Equally shocked by the announcement of General Zaroff that he hunts the most dangerous game, the reader joins Rainsford in his abhorrence.  Then, following the sequence of events as Rainsford learns what it is to be "a beast at bay," the reader is thoroughly captivated by the gripping plot.  Of course, the climax is wonderful:  Rainsford hides in Zaroff's bedroom and there is the classic showdown.  With the clever twist to the ending, the reader is left to suppose the victor of the duel.

What is the rising action and the falling action in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The rising action begins with Rainsford trying not to drown in the ocean and making it to the island and Zaroff's Gothic mansion. Rainford meets Zaroff and finds out he is to be hunted and the hunt begins, leading to Rainsford's fight for his life in the jungle.  The falling action seems to take place right along with the climax during which Rainsford is waits for Zaroff in his bedroom and the two fight to the death.  The story ends with the reader assuming that Rainsford apparently wins the fight and gets to sleep in Zaroff's bed. We can assme Zaroff is dead. Brenda

What are some character traits of the main characters in "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell?

To me, the only two characters in this story that have any real personality are Rainsord and General Zaroff.

Zaroff is a very cold man.  He must be so in order to hunt human beings.  Another very important part of his personality, though, is the way he sees himself.  Although he is brutal, he sees himself as a very sophisticated and civilized man.

I would say that Rainsford's most important qualities are his resourcefulness and his courage.  Even though he almost ends up in despair while he is being hunted, he keeps his nerve in a very trying set of circumstances.

What are some character traits of the main characters in "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell?

In his famous story, "The Most Dangerous Game," Richard Connell creates two fascinating characters in General Zaroff and Rainsford.  The main difference between these two characters is the fact that while General Zaroff is candid about himself and realizes what he is, Rainsford is deluded.  For, in the exposition of Connell's narrative, Rainsford is unconcerned about the feelings of any prey that he goes after.  Later, after he is captured, Rainsford is appalled at Zaroff's preference for his "new sensation," the hunting of men.  When Zaroff suggests that Rainsford is not unlike him since he had "experiences in the war," Rainsford, stiffly replies,

'Did not make me condone cold-blooded murder.'

The irony, of course, is that in the rising action and climax Rainsford come to understand what it means to be a beast at bay--"he knew now how an animal at bay feels"--and in the denouement of the story, he becomes the cold-blooded hunter of a man, Zaroff, whom he kills.  Without compunction, Rainsford decides afterwards that "he had never slept in a better bed."

Who are the characters in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The characters can be found in the study guide provided by enotes online at http://www.enotes.com/most-dangerous

To recap, though, there is General Zaroff, the hunter who has become bored with the hunt because he has become too good at it, and so he has now turned his attention to hunting humans.  Sanger Rainsford is the hunter who falls off his ship and becomes stranded on Shiptrap Island inhabited by Zaroff, unknowingly to become his prey when he refuses Zaroff's offer to hunt with him.  The minor characters are Whitney, Rainsford's hunting partner on the ship, and Ivan, Zaroff's deaf and dumb assistant.

What is a theme in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

A number of themes are presented in "The Most Dangerous Game".

You might choose to write about how irony becomes a theme. The title is the first example of irony in the story, working on two levels. The title is ironic because it has two meanings. (Rainsford is the game being hunted and Zaroff, in a way, thinks of the hunt as a serious game, to be played and won.)

Additional example of irony as a theme can be found in the repeated motif of "the hunter becoming the hunted". This happens to Rainsford and it happens to Zaroff. 

Furthermore, Rainsfored's attitude regarding killing humans becomes ironic in the end. He had protested against the idea of hunting people, calling it murder. When the "game" is finally over, Rainsford takes a human life, killing Zaroff.

Zaroff's murder, therefore, is not self-defense, as it would have been before Rainsford won the game. It is either an act of revenge or a killing for sport.

Other themes you might write on relate to violence, the value of human life, and the ethics of hunting.

If hunting humans for kicks is murder, Connell asks, then how does this differ from hunting animals?

What type of characterization can you identify in "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell?

Characterization is evident in The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell in the way all 3 main characters (Sanger Rainsford, General Zaroff and Ivan) are developed.

Sanger Rainsfordis a man who cares a great deal about hunting. In fact, the way ends up in this predicament is en route to a hunt. He is also well known for the work he has produced in relation to his hunting, as evidenced in the fact that Zaroff knows who he is before he introduces himself.

While being hunted, Rainsford proves to be resilient and resourceful: he never gives up and keeps encouraging himself to continue on. He is capable of creating traps and detours, and in the end proves a worthy component of General Zaroff's. In fact, he is the only one who has been hunted to "win" the most dangerous game.

General Zaroff is characterized as a psychotic, wealthy man, with little less to do with his money than to hunt people for sport. He has built his island to include all of the finer things offered in regular society; in fact, he has many accouterments that regular people in society do not (i.e. tailored linens, exceptional food and drink, etc.)

It is clear to see that he does not think his plan to hunt humans the least bit wrong. He admonishes Rainsford's shock by accusing him of having a "Puritan" upbringing. He further tries to persuade Rainsford by inviting him to hunt-he shows off his lot of dogs and brags about his "training" methods for those who unwittingly have fallen prey to the "channel" he set up in the waters.

Ivanis a "deaf and dumb" ex-Cossack. During his heyday, he was employed as a professional knouter (which is someone who inflicts pain on others through whippings as a form of punishment). He is characterized in the story as being a formidable opponent, as is evidenced in the way he answers the door, (with a revolver pointing at Rainsford's chest) and forces those who have the option of dealing with him or being hunted to choose the latter. He is depicted as strong in the way he handles to dogs and is described by Rainsford as a giant.

 He is further characterized to be loyal because he does anything the general asks of him and even dies as a result of one of Rainsford's traps.

Who are the main characters in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The  main characters include Sanger Rainsford, a renowned hunter who becomes trapped on an unusual island and must fight for his life in a strange "game"; General Zaroff, another hunter who owns a magnificent estate on the island and enjoys hunting "the most dangerous game"; Ivan, the huge mute who serves Zaroff devotedly; and Whitney, who appears briefly at the beginning of the story on board a yacht with Rainsford.

What symbolism illustrates the themes in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

My answer to the thematic statement would be that the violence and cruelty of being a hunted human animal can change a man from one who valued human life and abhorred the very idea of hunting humans to one who valued only revenge with the violence and cruelty to hunt other humans as game.  Rainsford will become the new General Zaroff of the island as he does not release the other prisoners when he has killed Zaroff; therefore, the theme to me is about how a man can change his core values from hunting game animals to hunting humans if he does not hang onto his humanity, the core value of all we believe.  Phrase this in your own words and you will have your thematic statement.

What symbolism illustrates the themes in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

In the short story, The Most Dangerous Game, the celebrated hunter Rainsford falls off a ship and lands on the island owned by General Zaroff.  The themes of cruelty, violence and revenge begin with the mansion, the symbol of courtliness but described with malevolent details like spiked fences, darkness rather than light, and then the appearance of the elegant Zaroff with the contrast of Ivan.  When Rainsford learns with horror that Zaroff hunts humans and that he is next, the dark forest and swampland he slogs through to set traps for Zaroff are also symbols of the violence which awaits both men.  When Rainsford kills both the dog and Ivan, he shows no remorse for killing even after he is safe for the time being.  When Zaroff escapes the traps set for him and returns to his mansion, he symbolizes the violence of the chase and the cruelty he enjoys.  When Rainsford enters the mansion, the fight is not detailed but the ending is clear that Rainsford is the winner.  The winner should be a symbol for the justice of winning over evil, except that when Rainsford sleeps in Zaroff's bed, the author leaves open the possibility that Rainsford, having changed from the hunted to the hunter, will take the place of Zaroff and become the evil he once abhorred.  

What is the central theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

"The Most Dangerous Game" is a short story about a man hunting another man.  Or you could summarize it the other way around.  The story is about a man being hunted by another man.  

Early in the story, Sanger Rainsford is shipwrecked on an island.  The island is the property and residence of General Zaroff.  He stocks the island with all manner of animals to hunt . . . including people.  General Zaroff recognizes Rainsford as a great hunter and offers him the chance to hunt another human being.  Rainsford refuses and Zaroff then makes him his next prey.  If Rainsford survives for three days, General Zaroff agrees to set him free.  The rest of the story is a cat and mouse game between Rainsford and Zaroff.  It ends with one of them being killed.  

What is the central theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

This is really a pretty easy story to read.  I am including a link below so that you can read it even if you do not have a physical copy.

The basic story is that the hero is a big-game hunter named Sanger Rainsford and he falls off his yacht and ends up on this island.  It is "owned" by General Zaroff.  Zaroff is using it as a place where he can hunt people.  He takes people who are shipwrecked and lets them loose on his island and he hunts them and kills them.

Zaroff asks Rainsford to become his partner -- to hunt with him.  Rainsford refuses and Zaroff hunts him.  Please read the story to see who lives and who dies.  The best part of the story is finding this out.

What is the central theme of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Richard Connell's short story relates what life is really about:  survival. 

General Zaroff, a wealthy and jaded military man has probably experienced the cruelty and inhumanity of man to man in his quest for power and glory.  Zaroff has seen life reduced to its lowest terms of survival of the fittest, the strong conquering the weak:  [the value of life] is "a romantic idea. I am a hunter, not a murderer...I only hunt the scum of the earth..." Zaroff declares, feeling justified in eliminating the weak.

In the exposition of the story, Rainsford and a crewmate discuss the "best sport in the world."  Whitney, the crewmate, retorts to Rainsford's idea that hunting jaguar is sport as the animal who is the prey finds the condition one of fear of pain or death. 

To this Rainsford counters, "Be a realist.  The world is made up of two classes--the hunters and the huntees."  Ironically, Rainsford soon learns the tremendous import of these words as he becomes the "huntee" in the grisly game of General Zaroff.

Like the hunted jaguar, Rainsford comes to know the fear of pain and of death; however, he outwits Zaroff and defeats the general. 

The story ends with Rainsford as the Darwinian hero:  "He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided."  Rainsford glories in his stronger nature, understanding what is the real hunt in man's existence.

http://www.enotes.com/most dangerous game/character

What is the characterization in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Your question isn’t quite clear with regard to the precise nature of the information you are requesting, but I will answer about characterization. There are two main characters in the short story, "The Most Dangerous Game," by Frank Connell. Sanger Rainsford is a dynamic character (also known as fat or round) because he grows and changes through the story. For example, in the beginning, his discussion with Whitney indicates that Rainsford has very little empathy for the things he chooses to hunt. He clearly expresses that they have no emotions. However, as the story progresses and he becomes the hunted he learns differently. Zaroff is a static character (also known as flat) because he shows no growth or development. He is simply there to propel the plot forward and offer an antagonist for Rainsford.

How does the outcome of Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game" foreshadow earlier events?

Richard Connell applies a slightly ambiguous ending of his hunting story, "The Most Dangerous Game" in order to achieve a high sense of intensity. The final battle between Zaroff and Rainsford is not clearly detailed with descriptions of thrusts or blows, which produces a few plot holes for the reader to fill in on his/her own. The reader, therefore, must use the clues to figure out a logical ending. Up until Rainsford is actually hunted by Zaroff, for instance, he is against murder or hunting humans. However, after being placed in a situation where he is actually hunted by another man, his attitude seems to change. As a dynamic character, Rainsford turns from being the hunted to the hunter. With that knowledge of Rainsford's inner transformation, one can only assume that by the time it was all over, Rainsford would kill Zaroff and spend the night in the hunter's bed. The question remains, "What will Rainsford do from that point on?" If the ending is a foreshadowing of anything, it is the fact that Rainsford would be a different man from the time before finding himself hunted on that island. He probably won't go on hunting other people, though. If he remains on the island, it is highly possible that he would save stranded people rather than hunt them; but, he was not one to just roll over and be hunted.

What are three themes of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Probably the principal theme of the story is the connection between all living beings, regardless of their intelligence or power. Rainsford begins by judging the animals he hunts as lacking attributes that we conventionally identify as "human." He does not even believe an animal can feel fear. The turning point in the story comes when Rainsford, as he is hunted by Zaroff, reflects that he now "knows how an animal at bay feels."

A second theme is the obvious one that "whatever goes around, comes around." Rainsford is arrogant and unfeeling, having made his career of hunting for sport, never thinking that the same aggression could someday be inflicted upon him. The fact that he wins the battle, however, means that in some sense the lesson is invalidated. The outcome of the story merely proves that the strong survive, which is what Rainsford believed all along. It comes down to a match of power versus power, man/beast individually against man/beast. Whether the author intended this message, we can't really know. Rainsford does seem to learn empathy, but only within the context of the mindset that has governed him from the beginning.

A third theme, though a more ambiguous one, involves the human transference of aggression from one object to another. Zaroff is a Russian émigré , having fled his country after the débâcle (the Russian Revolution), as he terms it, but having landed on his feet because of his investments in "American securities." So he has built this palatial home on an island in order to kill people. His attitude is one of displaced anger, directed against the helpless. The fact of his having constructed this based upon "American" investments is a subtle commentary on a general human complicity in violence, and creates a parallel between the dog-eat-dog world of economics and the hunter-animal world of the jungle.

What is the plot, conflict, and character of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

PLOT.  Rainsford falls off his yacht and swims ashore on a mysterious island in the Caribbean. He discovers a mansion owned by General Zaroff, a former Russian Cossack. Like Rainsford, whose name he recognizes, Zaroff is also a big game hunter. After wining and dining Rainsford, Zaroff announces that Rainsford will be the prey of his next hunt--human prey, which Zaroff now prefers. Zaroff gives Rainsford a head start, and the hunt begins.

CONFLICT.  The general conflict in the story comes from General Zaroff's desire to hunt a "more dangerous game"--the human kind. The second half of the story results in Rainsford's ability to survive the skilled hunting ability of the Cossack.

CHARACTERS.  Sanger Rainsford and General Zaroff are the main characters. Both are world-class hunters, but Zaroff has grown bored with big game, and has moved on to hunting human beings. Rainsford represents good; Zaroff evil. Zaroff does have some positive aspects, however. He has great taste in food, clothing and art, and he is basically honest. Despite the terrible style of the hunt, he keeps his word concerning the rules of his game.

Does the film adaptation of "The Most Dangerous Game" maintain the short story's theme?

The 1932 film adaptation of "The Most Dangerous Game" is based loosely on the original short story. The film included the directors (Ernest B. Schoedsack and Merian C. Cooper) and stars (Fay Wray and Robert Armstrong) of the 1933 blockbuster King Kong; surprisingly, The Most Dangerous Game actually made greater profits than King Kong.

The basic plot is the same: Rainsford (Joel McCrea) is shipwrecked on Zaroff's (Leslie Banks) island, and the Russian eventually hunts the big game hunter. There are changes, naturally.

• Rainsford's first name is Bob, not Sanger.
• Two additional characters, brother and sister Martin (Armstrong) and Eve (Wray) Trowbridge are previous shipwreck survivors staying with Zaroff.
• Two other sailors are introduced; they eventually disappear. Then Martin disappears.
• A human head is mounted in Zaroff's trophy room.
• Eve and Bob are both hunted by Zaroff.
• Rainsford, trapped near a waterfall, is apparently shot by Zaroff, and Rainsford is presumed drowned. However, Rainsford returns and kills Zaroff and his assistants. As Eve and Rainsford sail away, the wounded but not dead Zaroff fires a shot at them, but misses.
• Zaroff falls from the window and is eaten by his dogs.

What is a significant main plot point in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

A significant plot point in “The Most Dangerous Game” is when Rainsford survives Zaroff’s first night, and Rainsford realizes he is enjoying the chase.

Rainsford is horrified when he learns that his host on the deserted island hunts human beings for fun.  He is terrified when he realizes that he will be Zaroff’s next game.

The general was playing with him! The general was saving him for another day's sport! The Cossack was the cat; he was the mouse. Then it was that Rainsford knew the full meaning of terror.

At this point, Rainsford decides that he has to outwit the general to survive.  He desperately wants to live, but he also wants to defeat the man.  He feels humiliated and terrified, and wants revenge on Zaroff for making him feel that way.  From this point on, Rainsford is clever and uses his cunning to play with Zaroff, rather than the other way around.  Eventually Rainsford wins, and kills Zaroff not in self-defense so much as revenge.