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The Most Dangerous Game

by Richard Edward Connell

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Are there any flashbacks in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Quick answer:

There are no flashbacks in the story.

Expert Answers

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In literature, a flashback is defined as a break in the narrative, where the author inserts past information to provide context to the current events in the story, which allows the reader to better understand characters or background information regarding the conflict in the story. In Connell's classic short story "The Most Dangerous Game," he uses a linear narrative with a chronological sequence and does not include any flashbacks. Rainsford and General Zaroff do not have any memories or dream sequences that would constitute as flashbacks in the short story. General Zaroff elaborating on his childhood and past hunting experiences would not be considered a flashback because there is not a break in the narrative of the story. The general is simply introducing himself to Rainsford and giving him information while they enjoy their dinner. The narrative continues in chronological order, which is why the general's information regarding his past would not be considered a flashback.

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There are no true flashbacks in Richard Connell's classic short story, "The Most Dangerous Game." The entire story is told sequentially from the time that Rainsford falls off the boat until he returns to the island to exact his revenge upon General Zaroff. Both of the main characters think back about earlier times--mostly about prior hunts--but these reflections are not true flashbacks.

The very last line of the story could be considered a flash-forward, however. After Zaroff congratulates Rainsford on his daring return, he bows and accepts his fate as the newly-hunted prey. The author then skips forward in time for the final line without describing the new hunt. Instead, Connell allows the reader to imagine the result for himself before his ending line:

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

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