The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell Mrs

“The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell Mrs. Bjornson 9 th Grade Literature

Format for the Plot Diagram Rising Action -three statements that summarize the story Exposition --introduces the characters, background and setting Climax-- point where the protagonist changes Falling action -- one statement about what leads to the end of the conflict Conflict -struggle between opposing forces Resolution -- the end of the conflict

Plot Diagram • Rainsford jumps over the cliff to escape from Zaroff Rainsford hides in Zaroff’s room • Rainsford is hunted by Zaroff • Rainsford swims to Ship. Trap Island after falling off the yacht Rainsford and Zaroff fight Conflicts • Man Vs. Man Setting: Ship-Trap Island Protagonist -- Rainsford Antagonist -- Zaroff • Man Vs. Nature • Man Vs. Self Rainsford kills Zaroff

Character Analysis of Rainsford Characterization

Connell uses Indirect Characterization to develop Rainsford is an excellent hunter b. Rainsford has written a book about hunting. b. Rainsford recognizes the cartridge that he picks up as that of a twenty-two caliber gun. b. Rainsford sets traps for Zaroff. b. Rainsford is the only person to survive the game with Zaroff.

Rainsford doesn’t view hunting animals as murder. • He says animals don’t understand fear. • He says that Zaroff is a murderer because he hunts people. • Why does this become IRONIC? ? ?

Connell uses indirect characterization to develop Zaroff is an excellent hunter b. No one has survived his game so far. b. He is no longer challenged by hunting animals. b. He has read lots of books about hunting.

Zaroff is sophisticated and refined. • He has read books about hunting that were written in English, French and Russian. • He hums a tune from an opera. • He lives in a well decorated Chateau (oaken panels, high ceiling, vast refectory table). • He serves a sophisticated, refined meal to Rainsford.

Connell uses direct characterization to develop Zaroff is either evil or animalistic bthick black eyebrows and pointed black moustache bblack, bright eyes bdead black eyes (pg. 23) bcurious, red-lipped smile (18)

Zaroff is motivated by the desire to be challenged in the hunt Rainsford is motivated by the desire to live!

Rainsford is a dynamic character b. At the beginning he believes that animals don’t feel any fear. b. Once he is hunted and feels fear he says he knows how animals feel. b. When he confronts Zaroff at the end Rainsford tells Zaroff that he is still a beast at bay -he has adopted an animal mentality.

Universal Theme b. In order to fully understand others, we must first walk in their shoes. b**HINT: Connect this to fear!

The mood is suspenseful b. Name of the island is Ship-Trap Island ball the references to darkness bthe chase

Connell’s tone is straightforward and non-judgmental b. Connell doesn’t show bias toward Rainsford or Zaroff. b. He doesn’t judge Zaroff’s game or Rainsford’s opinion of hunted animals. b. He doesn’t comment on the events of the story. b. He chooses a third person limited point of view and remains within that context.

Textual Analysis Terms and Definitions

Foreshadowing: hints or clues of events that have yet to occur • Discussion about hunting- the hunt • “Ship-Trap”- someone’s going to be trapped • bullet- the hunt • “big animal”- unknown prey

Irony • Irony: difference between appearance and reality • Verbal Irony: words that are used to describe the opposite of their usual meaning v. Ex. “We do our best to preserve civilization here” v. Ironic because they are killing people for sport

Imagery Details that appeal to the five senses v Ex. - "the darkness pressed on his eyelids like a wet blanket“ - This statement appeals to the sense of touch and is a simile

Hyperbole Extreme exaggeration for effect v Ex. - When Rainsford and Whitney are discussing Ship-Trap Island, Whitney suggests that "even cannibals wouldn't live in such a God-forsaken place. " v. The purpose of this exaggeration is to show horrid a place Ship-Trap Island is purported to be. v Ex. - Whitney uses hyperbole to describe the toughness of Captain Nielsen as well, saying that he would "go up to the devil himself and ask him for a light. "

“I’m still a beast at bay. ”