Discussion Topic
The rationale behind the delayed revelation of the main conflict in "The Most Dangerous Game."
Summary:
The delayed revelation of the main conflict in "The Most Dangerous Game" builds suspense and engages the reader. By initially focusing on Rainsford's journey and his discussions about hunting, the story creates a sense of normalcy that heightens the shock when the true nature of General Zaroff's game is revealed, emphasizing the horror and moral questions at the heart of the plot.
Why is the main conflict in "The Most Dangerous Game" revealed late in the story?
In my opinion, the author does this because he wants to show us something about Rainsford's personality and his beliefs. I think he does this because the story is partly about how Rainsford's experiences affect (or do not affect) his beliefs.
By having the main conflict start so late, the author is able to show us more about what Rainsford is like before he gets hunted. We see, for example, that he has no sympathy for the animals he has hunted. But we also see that he thinks that the idea of hunting people is totally abhorrent. Because we get this detailed view of his opinions, the rest of the story becomes more interesting. It especially makes us very curious as to what the ending implies. What will Rainsford do now that he has killed Zaroff -- will he stick to his values or will he do what Zaroff...
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Why does Richard Connell reveal the main conflict late in "The Most Dangerous Game"?
This is a good observation. I just rechecked the story and only at the midpoint of the story does it come to Rainsford's attention that General Zaroff was hunting humans, and in my version it's only on page 11 of 15 that the General reveals to Rainsford that Rainsford himself will be the hunted. So, your observation is correct. There is a delay in introducing the main conflict.
The main reason for this is Connell wants to build suspense. He is masterful in doing so.
In the beginning, Rainsford is on a boat in an exotic location. In fact, it is revealed that the island yonder is called Ship-Trap Island. Hence, danger is in the air. Cannibalism is also mentioned. As he is talking with his friend, Rainsford also says that there are only two types of people in the world. He says: "The world is made up of two classes--the hunters and the huntees." Little does he know that he would live these words.
As he finally makes it to the island, the setting and his initial interaction with Zaroff adds to the setting of fear. No matter how kind and charming Zaroff is, there is something very ominous. Here is first impression:
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 sharpcut nose, a spare, dark face--the face of a man used to giving orders, the face of an aristocrat. Turning to the giant in uniform, the general made a sign. The giant put away his pistol, saluted, withdrew.
As Rainsford and Zaroff talk more, it becomes apparent that Zaroff is a mad man. It is clinched, when Zaroff wants to hunt Rainsford, simply because he is bored. Hence, suspense is built until the climax.