The Hunt In The Most Dangerous Game By Richard Connell

Animals sense a feeling of terror and panic when being hunted, yet the hunter never has a clue. Richard Connell changes the relationship of the hunter-huntee in “The Most dangerous Game”. The protagonist in the story Rainsford, a great game hunter, finds himself trapped in a Caribbean island and being hunted by another human. Connell uses several literary devices such as foreshadowing, external conflict and suspense to create an impression of fear, competition and violence.

Connell utilizes dialogues between Rainsford and Whitney to foreshadow upcoming crises in the story. As Rainsford and Whitney talk on the boat, Rainsford says, “The world is made up of two classes-the hunters and the huntees. Luckily you and I are big-game hunters” (Connell

When Rainsford arrives on the island, Zaroff tells him stories about previous hunts and says, “I have not lost [the game]” and tells Rainsford, “we will hunt-you and I” (Connell 404-473). Zaroff’s offer was too abrupt for Rainsford to take into consideration. On the other hand, Rainsford liked the idea of hunting, but did not know the way Zaroff hunted. Zaroff explains the “hunting” and says, “You’ll find this game worth playing, your brain against mine. Your woodcraft against mine. Your strength and stamina against mine” (Connell 487-488). Rainsford realizes Zaroff’s definition of hunting is to fight against each other, rather than to hunt animals. Several thoughts come up on Rainsfords mind: he is confused and does have a clue how to get out of this situation. Rainsford struggles to find a resolution and has no choice but to fight Zaroff man to man. The unseen tension between Rainsford and Zaroff adds suspense to the mystery

On the first night, Rainsford, climbs up “a big tree with a thick trunk and outspread branches [that were nearby], taking care to leave no the slightest mark” (Connell 16). Every small movement of Rainsford shows his anxiety and fear of being haunted by General Zaroff. Unfortunately, Zaroff finds Rainsford and leaves after giving an arrogant smirk. Zaroff’s act of leisure sends a shudder of horror down Rainsfords spine. After realizing “how an animal at bay feels” (Connell 668), Rainsford, “leap[s] into the sea” (Connell 681) to arrive at the mansion to end the useless battle with a surprise attack. Even after risking his life in the sea, Rainsfords hatred toward Zaroff allows him to continue his actions. Additionally, Rainsford wanted to seek revenge on Zaroff for his cruelty towards humans. Rainsfords determination to survive, granted him as a successful hunter who understood the meaning of