What is the resolution of "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell?

The resolution for any story comes after the climax. The climax answers how the major conflict is decided. For example, in Richard Connell's short story "The Most Dangerous Game," the primary conflict is between Zaroff and Rainsford. The climax answers the question of who wins the most dangerous game. Since this game is a hunting battle using wit and skill between two expert hunters, then the climax occurs when the reader finds out who wins. The final battle begins when Rainsford enters General Zaroff's room and declares that he is not through with the game. General Zaroff recognizes what Rainsford means when he says the following:

"Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford."

The author does not give details of the final battle. He leaves those details up to the reader's imagination. However, Connell provides one sentence that includes both the outcome of the climactic battle and the resolution as follows:

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

With one sentence, Connell supplies the reader with the results of the final battle, which is the climax, and the resolution, which is the fact that Rainsford is still alive after the fight and sleeps in the "excellent bed" that night. No other information is provided about the resolution other than the fact that Rainsford gets to sleep in Zaroff's bed that night. One might speculate that maybe Rainsford takes over Zaroff's estate and assumes the role of the hunter on the island. On the other hand, Rainsford could use the resources found on the island to help him get back home. Either way, none of this information is provided by the author, and the reader is left to wonder what Rainsford will do the next morning.

What is the resolution of "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell?

The Most Dangerous Game is a story that explores power and survival. In these circumstances, a resolution becomes very, very basic. What is one willing to do to survive? Where does "right and wrong" belong in basic survival? In what ways must humans act in order to elevate themselves above predator and prey? I'm not sure there was a resolution to this story. The ending indicates to all who are thoughtful readers that the responsibility for humanity lies in action rather than reaction.

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

This great short story by Richard Connell is one that you should finish reading yourself. The ending is a truly surprising one. After big game hunter Sanger Rainsford is himself hunted by the Cossack General Zaroff, Rainsford manages to elude the Russian by leaping into the ocean. Although Zaroff supposes Rainsford drowned, the reader knows better. After Zaroff retires to his bedroom for the evening, he is surprised to find Rainsford inside waiting for him. Zaroff acknowledges that Rainsford has won the game, but Rainsford is not through playing. He declares that the game is still on, and gives Zaroff a head start. In the end, it is Rainsford who settles down to a well-deserved sleep in Zaroff's comfortable bed.

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

In one way, this is a very easy and obvious question.  But in another, it is definitely not.

The easy and obvious answer is that Rainsford kills Zaroff.  He manages to make his way into Zaroff's room.  They fight and he manages to kill the general.  He then sleeps in Zaroff's bed.

But it's not necessarily that simple.  Some scholars wonder what Rainsford does next.  When Rainsford first heard what Zaroff did on the island he was totally horrified.  But now he kills Zaroff and he really likes Zaroff's bed.  Does this imply that he has changed his mind?  Is he going to take over and start hunting people on this island?  That is much harder to answer and it is something you have to decide for yourself.  Do you think Rainsford has it in him to be as evil as Zaroff?

What is the significance of the last line in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The fact that Rainsford rests easily in the bed of the man whom he has just killed indicates his transformation from a man with ethics to one who does not have qualms about killing another human being.  Indeed, there is a significant character change indicated by the last ironic line.

(See the question on irony, as well.)

What is the significance of the last line in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The last line is important because it indicates the story's  eventual outcome. The line states that Rainsford slept with immense pleasure in Zaroff's bed. This tells the reader that Rainsford has killed Zaroff and is the ultimate winner of the "contest". Zarof becomes a victim of his own game because he underestimates Rainsford. "The prey has killed the predator."

What happens after the ending in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

When Rainsford is still on the yacht with Whitney, they discuss hunting. Whitney suggests that while hunting is a great sport, it is not so great for the prey (in this case, the jaguar). Rainsford replies that he doesn't care about the jaguar's feelings. He adds, "The world is made up of two classes—the hunters and the huntees." Ironically, he ends up being the "huntee" when Zaroff forces Rainsford to become his prey. At this point, Rainsford finally understands the jaguar's feelings. In other words, he finally appreciates the fear one experiences while being hunted. Given this new appreciation, it is possible that, after killing Zaroff, Rainsford might swear off hunting forever. Since he knows the anguish of being hunted, he might decide never to put another living being through such an ordeal.

The end of the story suggests otherwise, though. After defeating Zaroff, Rainsford sleeps in his (Zaroff's) bed. This suggests that he has become just like Zaroff. Rainsford was initially appalled that Zaroff enjoyed hunting human beings, but sleeping in Zaroff's bed is symbolic and indicates that he might become just like the general. If this is the case, Rainsford might just stay on the island and continue Zaroff's practice of hunting humans. According to what Rainsford said to Whitney on the yacht, he has a choice: become the hunter or the huntee.

What are the resolution and conclusion of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The resolution of the story happens when Rainsford is found hiding in Zaroff's bedchamber the night that Zaroff thought he had won his game by default because Rainsford jumped off a cliff. Rainsford comes out from his hiding place behind the curtains and surprises Zaroff with the fact that he has outsmarted him and beat him at his own game (resolution- Rainsford wins the "game"). Rainsford managed to survive until the sun set on the final day. Defeated Zaroff is sent out into the night to become the victim of his own killer hounds or whatever perils await him on his island. Rainsford wins and sleeps the restful sleep of the victorious (conclusion). 

What are three unexpected details about the ending of "The Most Dangerous Game"?

1. Rainsford survives when he jumps off the cliff to escape the dogs. We assume he will die.

2. He appears--somehow--in Zaroff's bedroom after swimming across the cove and finding the correct room. His appearance surprises Zaroff, who assumed Rainsford was dead.

3. Rainsford wins the battle between the two men even though he must be exhausted while Zaroff has rested and eaten well.