Explores escape and interpretive writing in "The Most Dangerous Game".

Essay by EnzietHigh School, 12th gradeA+, November 2003

download word file, 2 pages 3.0 1 reviews

Driven by fear and strengthened by instinct, Sanger Rainsford fights valiantly, in Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game," to best General Zaroff at his own game. Although rather undeveloped, the characters in the story still give the reader something to connect to. The theme, although presented in a unique fashion, depicts yet another reiteration of the epic struggle between good and evil. Regardless of the few twists and turns, Connell's use of plot manipulation still leaves room for a great deal of excitement in the story. By first examining and then combining Connell's use of plot, characters, and theme, one can see the obvious escapism in "The Most Dangerous Game."

Aside from the beginning, Connell's use of plot manipulation does not stand out. Connell first uses a highly improbable event to set the basis for his story. The events that follow do so in a more or less believable and orderly manner.

One can see the prime example when, after learning of Zaroff's grizzly hobby, Rainsford finds himself the prey. Even though Connell's uses subtle plot manipulation, the story does not suffer from lack of excitement and intrigue.

Due to the short length of the text, the characters of Zaroff and Rainsford seem rather undeveloped. Zaroff portrays the cold, methodical, and ruthless hunter; his decision to prolong the game each day does not fit with this. Rainsford begins the story with a mind set that follows closely to that of Zaroff, but by the end, his point of view has taken a complete reversal. Although extenuating circumstances easily explain Rainsford's change in disposition, Zaroff's do not seem to have a logical explanation. Although Connell's characters engage the reader they point to a main focus other than themselves.

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Due to the story's short length, one can...