Marxism In The Most Dangerous Game

“The Most Dangerous Game” Analyzed through Marxist criticism

Marxist criticism is concerned about who has power in a text. Power is the ability to influence or direct a person or a course of events. In “The most dangerous game” Rainsford and General Zaroff are in struggle for power throughout the story. The reader can assume that they will both attempt to keep or obtain power during the story.

At the beginning of the story General Zaroff has the power when he directs his servant Ivan “Then Rainsford saw the man’s free hand go to his forehead in a military salute, and he saw him click his heels together and stand in attention” (Connell 5). Since Zaroff is able to direct his servant he has power at that moment. Later, one knows that the

“I refuse to believe that so modern and civilized a young man as you seem to be harbors romantic ideas about the values of human life. Surly your experiences in the war ."Did not make me condone cold-blooded murder,” finished Rainsford stiffly.” (Connell 9) . Since Rainsford is upset about Zaroff's comments we know that he will do something to shift the power towards him but that will happen further in the story. Afterwards, the reader can still assume that neither Rainsford or the general have power “Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if needs be taken by the strong.” (Connell 10). Zaroff is still trying to influence Rainsford in the twisted way of thinking but Rainsford still disagrees with Zaroff. Later, the reader still notices that they still do not have power between themselves. “But they are men,” said Rainsford hotly. “Precisely,” said the general. “That is why I use them.” (Connell 10). Zaroff again fails to influence the mind of Rainsford with his insane justifications. My reflection of this text is that you should not abuse the power you have over someone but instead try to have good morals like

Zaroff's hunt for Rainsford is coming to an end until “Zaroff was still on his feet. But Ivan was not. The knife, driven by the recoil of the springing tree, had not wholly failed.” (Connell 17). The reader can start to recognize how the power is slowly starting to shift to Rainsford. After this, the hunt still continues with Rainsford still trying to gain the power. “Rainsford hesitated. He heard the hounds. Then he leaped far out into the sea…” (Connell 17). One can see how Rainsford had the power to change the course of events with some quick thinking. Later, the reader becomes fully aware that the power finally transitioned to Rainsford. “The general sucked in his breath and smiled. “I congratulate you,” he said “ you have won the game,” (Connell 18). One can assume that Rainsford has complete power because he was able to completely change the course of events that the general had