Conflicts In The Most Dangerous Game, By Richard Connell

All stories have important conflicts, but not all stories have three essential conflicts. In “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, Sanger Rainsford faces many conflicts. Such as Man vs. Man. This is necessary to the plot of the story. Man vs. Nature, another substantial plot line which Rainsford must face. Another vital conflict is Man vs. Himself. This conflict is crucial because Rainsford is alone and trapped on an island, facing the horrid general alone. Against the world, and against himself. Rainsford must find his way on Ship Trap island therefore he must face these challenges alone.

In “The Most Dangerous Game”, there are numerous models of a man vs. another man. One case is Rainsford against General Zaroff. In the short story, General Zaroff is hunting Rainsford down on Ship Trap island. While Zaroff finds this to be intriguing, Rainsford is alarmingly afraid at the thought of it. “‘You will find this game worth playing,’ the general said enthusiastically. ‘Your brain against mine. Your woodcraft against mine. Your strength and stamina against mine. Outdoor chess! And the stake is not without value, eh?’” (10). One may think this is a splendid idea, whereas countless others view this concept as gruesome. Zaroff decides if Rainsford does not wish to accompany him on his hunting trip, Rainsford will be on the

A man, such as Rainsford, is challenging the natural world. In the narrative, Rainsford challenges the sea. “All he knew was that he was safe from his enemy, the sea, and that utter weariness was on him”(3). Rainsford is escaping the sea, and entering Ship Trap island. The sea fights Rainsford vigorously, barely letting Rainsford escape from its grasp. Rainsford feels calm to hear the sound of waves crashing on a rocky shore, knowing that he will soon be able to escape the treacherous sea. The raw world is out to get Rainsford, and he can feel it