Discussion Topic
Language and Imagery in "The Most Dangerous Game"
Summary:
In "The Most Dangerous Game," both explicit and implicit language enhance the story's suspense. Explicit language, like Rainsford's straightforward discussions about hunting, contrasts with implicit language, such as the title's dual meaning and Zaroff's insinuations about hunting humans. Sensory language further immerses readers, using vivid descriptions that engage sight, touch, and sound, such as the "moist black velvet" night and the "blood-warm waters." These elements together create a rich, tense atmosphere throughout the narrative.
What are examples of explicit and implicit language in "The Most Dangerous Game"?
Early in the story, the narrator establishes in the conversation between Rainsford and Whitney that they are both experienced big-game hunters; they explicitly recall hunting moose, as well as their intention to hunt jaguars in the Amazon.
Once Rainsford falls overboard, he strikes out in the direction of pistol shots that he had just heard. He hears "a high screaming sound, the sound of an animal in an extremity of anguish and terror." Interestingly, this experienced hunter does "not recognize the animal that made the sound." Given what he will discover on Ship Trap Island, it is implicit that what Rainsford has heard is the screaming of a man being pursued by a hunter. Because Rainsford has never experienced the particular barbarity of a human being being hunted, he is unable to recognize it as such at this point in the story.
References
To state something explicitly, one goes...
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directly to the point, whereas if one speaks implicitly, innuendos are employed, meanings are not directly expressed and are, therefore, open to interpretation. Intriguingly, the title of Connell's story has both explicit and implicit meanings: Explicitly, it means a sport or activity which involves great opportunities for harm to a person; implicitly, it can mean a creature that is hunted who possesses an intelligence which makes it a serious threat.
In "The Most Dangerous Game," there are certainly instances in which both explicit and implicit language are used by the characters. For instance, in his dinner conversation with Rainsford, General Zaroff employs both explicit and implicit language:
Zaroff explains to Rainsford that he is familiar with him because he has read all Rainsford's books on hunting published in three different languages. Then, he says explicitly, "I have but one passion in my life, Mr. Rainsford, and it is the hunt."
Rainsford observes one of Zaroff's "wonderful heads" and remarks explicitly, "I've always thought...that the Cape buffalo is the most dangerous of all big game." To this remark, Zaroff replies implicitly,
"Here in my preserve on this island," he replied in the same slow tone, " I hunt more dangerous game." (implicit language--he implies a meaning other than what Rainsford considers)
Rainsford expressed his surprise. "Is there big game on this island?" (explicit language)
The general nodded. "The biggest." (implicit language--the general is not speaking of size; he implies the intelligence level.)
Their conversation continues in this manner, until Rainsford finally grasps the implied meanings of Zaroff's remarks and is horrified at the realization that the general has been implying that he hunts men.
"But you can't mean---gasped Rainsford." (explicit language)
"And why not?....I am speaking of hunting." (very implicit language)
"Hunting? General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder." (very explicit language)
Explicit language is clear, straightforward language. The meaning is transparent. Implicit language has implied meaning. The reader is required to read between the lines and look for the underlying meaning.
An example of explicit language comes in the first sentence. Whitney, a man on the boat, says to Rainsford: "Off there to the right - somewhere - is a large island." There is no extra layer to this statement.
Now switch to the last line of the story: "He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided." This is implicit language. The author is suggesting that because Rainsford is sleeping in Zaroff's bed, Rainsford killed Zaroff. It is a way of letting readers know this without announcing it.
Another way to refer to these terms is as follows: literal language (explicit) and figurative language (implicit).
What sensory language is used in "The Most Dangerous Game"?
"The Most Dangerous Game"is a short story written by Richard Connell, in which a man named Sanger Rainsford finds himself trapped on an island, being hunted by a fierce predator—another man. General Zaroff, who felt he was not challenged enough with hunting animals, has been bringing people to his island to hunt for sport.
The sensory language in the story adds to the sense of suspense; the narrative wouldn't be nearly as effective if readers weren't able to take in Rainsford's surroundings.
Some good examples of sensory language in the story are:
1) "It's like moist black velvet."
Rainsford uses this phrase to describe the "moonless Caribbean night" that he and Whitney are sailing through near the beginning of the story. This appeals to both the sense of sight and touch—we understand that what Rainsford is seeing is pitch black, like a rich black velvet, and that the night air feels humid and moist.
2) "The cry was pinched off short as the blood-warm waters of the Caribbean Sea closed over his head."
This sentence gives the reader a great sense of the feeling of the sea against Rainsford's skin—it's as warm as blood, like falling into a hot bath.
3) "The lights from the windows sent a flickering illumination that made grotesque patterns on the courtyard below, and Rainsford could see moving about there a dozen or so huge black shapes; as they turned toward him, their eyes glittered greenly."
This quote is all about sense of sight—it describes Rainsford's first impression of seeing Zaroff's fearsome hunting dogs. We not only know how they look to Rainsford but also understand the intimidating aura they give off.
4) "He knew his pursuer was coming; he heard the padding sound of feet on the soft earth, and the night breeze brought him the perfume of the general's cigarette."
This quote appeals to the sense of hearing and sense of smell, which are wrapped up together in one moment of tension as Rainsford waits for the General to fall into his trap.
There are plenty more examples in the story, but I think those are a few good ones to get you started!