Conflicts In The Most Dangerous Game, By Richard Connell

In “The Most Dangerous Game,” by Richard Connell, the characters encounter many life-changing problems. This fictional, but suspenseful, piece contained a variation of conflicts for each character. Whether it was a character vs. character, nature, or himself each one shows the person’s true colors, and shapes them to be who they are. From the start Rainsford believed hunting was completely justifiable. However, once he had that experience with Zaroff his opinions changed. Rainsford encountered many conflicts and because of that, many aspects of his feelings and thoughts toward a variety of subjects is revealed. The problems created by the characters and their reactions to it show who they really are and what they believe is right. Rainsford

character theme is is no surprise how often Rainsford and Zaroff disagree with one another. These disagreements, and reactions to them, say a lot about each character. In the beginning, Zaroff explains how he prepares the humans he hunts, and likes to keep things in order, so he doesn’t mar their ability to survive. However, Rainsford doesn’t think highly of that idea of his. In the text Rainsford states, “Civilized? And you shoot down men?” (11) Connell uses this statement to establish that Rainsford isn’t as insane as Zaroff, and he believes what he is doing is wrong. Zaroff doesn't want to create a havoc when he hunts the sailors, so he tries to organize it more, thinking that makes him more civilized, but Rainsford completely disagrees. The fact that he thinks hunting men in an organized fashion makes it better completely baffles Rainsford. When Rainsford surprises Zaroff at the end they both decide that they want to obliterate each other, especially Rainsford. In the passage it says, “One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed… He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.”(19) This piece is used to indicate that although Rainsford changed his views on animal’s feelings he still is barbaric. Zaroff and Rainsford may make changes about themselves, but they will forever have a hunter’s, or decimating, mentality towards things. This is shown when they decide killing each other is the best option to solve their problem. The conflicts and resolution to the problems created by the characters are extremely significant since it shows aspects of the characters