The Most Dangerous Game s4

The Most Dangerous Game By Richard Connell

Pre-reading activities 1. Write about a time you felt fear or panic. Remember to include a description of how your body may have reacted to the emotions. (¾ - 1 page) 2. What do you think the story “The Most Dangerous Game” is about? What are the different definitions for the word game?

Read the short story “The Most Dangerous Game.”

Story Element Questions: 3. Complete the plot chart below. 4. What is the conflict in the story? 5. What is the theme of the story? How do you know? 6. From what point of view is the story told? What would the effect be if the story were told from a different point of view? 7. Who is the protagonist and the antagonist? What type of characters are they? Explain. 8. Write a description of Rainsford. 9. To what extent does the author use descriptions of Zaroff’s looks to define his character? 10.Do you think Rainsford’s attitude towards hunting changes throughout the story?

ELEMENT EXPLANATION DETAILS IN STORY Plot: The beginning Introduction

Plot: Rising The events that Action complicate events, the conflict is revealed Plot: Climax The turning point

Plot: Falling The events that resolve Action the story

Plot: The outcome of the Resolution story

Comprehension and Extension Questions: 11.Give examples of similes, metaphors, and personification used in the story. 12.In which sea has Connell set Ship-Trap Island? 13.How is Zaroff able to finance his lifestyle? 14.If Rainsford wins the hunt, what does Zaroff promise him? 15.What happened to Lazarus? 16.Where does Rainford spend the first night of his hunt? 17.How many acres did Zaroff’s father have in the Crimea? 18.Do you agree with Rainsford when he says, “The world is made up of two classes- the hunters and the hunted”? Why or why not? If this is true which would you be? Is that good or bad? Explain. 19.Zaroff says he lives for danger. What do you think about thrill seekers? Should thrill be sought if others are endangered in one’s attempt to discover it? 20.Zaroff says God made him a hunter and that the weak were put here to give the strong pleasure. Do you agree or disagree? Can you think of instances where the strong take advantage of the weak? Explain. 21.In the end, it can be argued that Rainsford becomes Zaroff. Were his actions justified? What other options could he have taken? 22.If you were to direct a movie of the “Most Dangerous Game” how would you do it? Pay particular attention to setting. How would you make it as frightening as possible? Who would you cast in the roles? Where would you shoot it? How would you shoot it?

Interactive Activity: You will be asked to pick a side for the following items. You must choose yes or no, there are no maybe or sort of areas only yes and no. Be able to support your point of view. Keep an open mind. Others opinions may sway you.

Questions: 1. Do you believe people should be punished for their crimes? 2. Do you feel that if someone killed a person they should spend the rest of their life in jail? 3. Do you agree with capital punishment? 4. If Zaroff lived/survived on the island, do you think he should be charged with murder? 5. Do you think Zaroff should spend the rest of his life in jail? 6. Do you think Zaroff should be killed? 7. Do you think Rainsford should be charged with murder for killing Ivan? 8. Do you think Rainsford was responding in self-defence? 9. If Rainsford kills Zaroff should he be charged with this murder? 10.Do you feel Rainsford should be excused for his behavior because he went temporarily insane during his time on the island?

Assignment: Write an alternate ending for “The Most Dangerous Game.” Some possible endings are:  General Zaroff being the victor, instead of Rainford. Include the events that changed the outcome.  Rainsford escapes the island and sets up a refuge for animals and never hunts again.  Ivan isn’t killed and the hunt continues in the forest – you decide how this ends.  Any other unexpected ending. This new ending should be about 1 page in length and neatly written or typed in ink.