Theme in The Most Dangerous Game

“‘General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder’” (8) proclaimed Sanger Rainsford in Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game”. Connell’s central theme involves the difference between hunting and murder. He perceives a distinct difference between the two; hence his horror at Zaroff’s hunting of men. Connell implements foreshadowing and dialect to generate suspense in the reader throughout the story. Connell creates uncertainty in the story by foreshadowing the reader of future events. At dinner, Zaroff interests Rainsford with the fact that he “‘hunt[s] more dangerous game’” (5). Zaroff explains that “‘hunting had ceased to be what you call ‘a sporting proposition’ it had become too easy,’” (7) he needs game that is “‘able to reason”’ (7), but Rainsford knows that “‘no animal can reason”’ (7). Connell foreshadows the upcoming events by gradually explaining the credentials of the animal he desires to hunt. Once the reader recognizes Zaroff’s intentions…show more content…
Once Zaroff explains what will happen he insists, “‘tonight, we will hunt, you and I’” (10). Zaroff enjoys hunting Rainsford so much that Rainsford speculates that “the General was [just] playing with him” (12)! The reader grows in anxiety as Rainsford unwillingly takes up the offer to hunt; or to be hunted. At this point, the story makes the reader feel unpleasant about what Rainsford is going up against. After all, Zaroff is experienced in hunting humans. Similarly, when Zaroff and Rainsford meet after the hunt the suspense is still intense. Even though Rainsford has “‘won the game,”’ (15) he “‘is still a beast at bay’” (15). The reader perceives that Rainsford is going to get revenge on Zaroff for putting him through such a hard time. Rainsford has outsmarted, like a cunning fox, Zaroff, and as a result Rainsford is safe. From the beginning of the story, the readers’ experience subtle change in characters as suspense grows through

Hunters believe animals are not capable of reasoning and they see them as something lesser than humans. Throughout time, these positions can change. The short story, “The Most Dangerous Game” written by Richard Connell, consists of General Zaroff being the hunter and Rainsford being the hunted. During the story, their positions change to the complete opposite. Throughout the story the reader sees how Zaroff “plays” with Rainsford as he hunts him and not once does Zaroff think he will lose to Rainsford. This is a clear example of the theme to never underestimate your opponent skills or the underdog may overtake you. Connell illustrates this theme through foreshadowing, irony, and, man vs. man. To help us visualize, foreshadowing shows how Rainsford, being the underdog, will overtake Zaroff who underestimates Rainsford. Although Rainsford is not seen as being the weaker link, Rainsford showed he did not pity those below him: “‘Who cares how a jaguar feels all they understand is fear.’ - ‘Even so, I rather think they understand one thing--fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death.’”(Connell 18) By reading the theme the reader can infer the position Rainsford is in will drastically change. Although, Rainsford is not overtaken by the jaguar but it is General Zaroff that surpasses him. The part of the story when Rainsford asks if Ivan is Russian.... The reader now knows General Zaroff is not a mere hunter but he is out to…show more content…
But we should also never underestimate ourselves and never hold ourselves back. Rainsford represents the part of us, focused and does not give up on his goal because it is to difficult. Although General Zaroff represents the dark or extreme side of us, not showing pity towards others, becoming lazy, and inferring Rainsford has died therefore not caring about his

The most obvious theme of "The Most Dangerous Game" is that which arises from the relationship of the hunter and the hunted. At the very beginning of story, Rainsford and Zaroff are presented as equals. Both characters are well-accomplished big-game hunters. As the story unfolds, however, their roles change. Rainsford is thrust into the position of the hunted. However, he tries to undermine the game by setting traps for the hunter. Rainsford's form of hunting is passive whereas Zaroff's is active.

The fragility of this relationship between the hunted and the hunter is not only displayed in the resolution of the story but also through various passages. For example, Zaroff describes several interactions with animals that resulted in injury on his part.