Richard Connell's Use Of Suspense In 'Most Dangerous Game'

Suspense in the “Most Dangerous Game”

Woven into the “Most Dangerous Game” are ingenious uses of foreshadowing as well as color related words. Richard Connell uses these techniques to create breath holding suspense in the minds of the readers. By planting foreshadowing and colorful words the author lets the reader’s mind wander through all the possible outcomes, hoping Rainsford escapes them all.

With the uses of foreshadowing in the “Most Dangerous Game”, you know in the back of your mind what is going to happen to Rainsford, and you fear for him. While talking with a friend, Rainsford states that he does not care how his prey feels. As long as he is the hunter, he does not give it a second thought. While talking to Whitney he states… “Who

Luckily, you and I are the hunters”(15). The author is setting up the story, giving us hints as to what is going to happen. The story revolves around how Rainsford is made the prey, and has to elude the hunter. By including these statements Connell is writing words that Rainsford will regret later on. The reader knows in his mind that the tables are going to turn, but is not quite sure how. Connell creates a feeling of dread that drags you into reading more. The suspense brings you deep within the story. Furthermore, during Rainsfords meals with general Zaroff, the general is continually asking Rainsford to hunt with him. Zaroff had already stated his way of choosing who he was going to hunt next. He always says,” tomorrow we will go hunting.” In the story Connell uses foreshadowing to reveal that Rainsford will be hunted. For example Zaroff states, “you’ve a

Throughout the story many of the objects and scenery around Rainsford are described using the words black and red. The reader associates those colors to things in our world. This in turn creates suspense, because you know that something awful is going to happen. For example, the air is described as “moist black velvet” and “it pressed its thick warm blackness upon the yacht”(15). Additionally the water is described as “blood warm waters”(15). Lastly Ivan is described as wearing a “crimson sash”(21). By using these colorful words, a leery suspense is created causing readers to ponder what will happen. By adding descriptive words a whole under layer of suspense is uncovered, just by using the thoughts of the reader. Similarly an evil presence is created in the character General Zaroff. By describing him with dark words, the reader knows that Zaroff is morally askew, but they can not quite put their finger on exactly how. This makes the reader want to investigate further, creating suspense. For instance the General is described as having a mustache, “ as black as the night from which Rainsford had come”(17). On top of this his eyes were “black and bright” as well as “dead black”(17). When the reader takes in these colorful words, they see yet another obstacle that Rainsford will have to triumph over. They long for him to run away, but know he can not. With each descriptive word added comes a