The Most Dangerous Game (213)

“The Most Dangerous Game” (213)

Richard Connell (1893-1949) Published TMDG in 1924 Alive during WWI Exposition (The beginning of a story that introduces characters and setting)

direct characterization The author flat-out states a character’s traits indirect characterization The author gives *clues* about a character through physical descriptions, through a character’s actions/words, and how other characters react to him/her Whitney A hunter; sympathetic (understanding and caring) about the animals he hunts. Rainsford A very good hunter; unsympathetic and indifferent (doesn’t care about) the (protagonist) hunted animals

Example of a simile

Example of an allusion Purdey’s = popular hunting goods store at the time

Caribbean/the Amazon = well-known places Foreshadowing/ suspense Example of simile (216)

Ominous/threatening tone

Conflict a struggle between forces (external or internal conflict)

External conflict (man vs. nature) Metaphor a subtle comparison w/out using “like” or “as” Example of metaphor

Personification Giving human-like characteristics to something that is not human. Example of personification

Do you connect more with Rainsford or Whitney? Why/how? TMDG Notes (pages 218-224)

(9:24 – 28:36)

What do we learn about Rainsford’s abilities when he comes across the evidence of hunting? “civil” courteous; polite; gracious; mannerly; well-bred “civility” politeness; courtesy “civilization” the characteristics of a specific time/place; a relatively high level of cultural and technological development (laws; electricity; running water; amenities of life) Example of “…the sea licked greedy lips” (220). personification Characteristics of Ivan Deaf; dumb; tall; muscular; black uniform trimmed with lamb fleece; black-bearded; small, black, piercing eyes; “gigantic creature”; holds a long-barreled revolver Characteristics of Handsome; bizarre quality about his face; erect; slender; cultivated Zaroff voice; slight accent (Russian); past middle age; hair is vivid white; black, thick eyebrows and pointed military mustache; black and bright eyes; high cheek bones, sharp-cut nose; spare, dark face; face of an aristocrat; red lips and pointed teeth; literate; interested in hunting What type of relationship do you think R. and Z. will have with each other? Who do you think is a better hunter—R. or Z.? What makes you think so? Do you consider Z. as civil? How? Has R. come across a civilization? Explain. What do you think it means to be “civilized”? “The Most Dangerous Game” Con’t. (224-228)

(28:56 – 40:59)

Rising Action

Climax

Explain your thoughts about Zaroff’s idea that:

“Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if need be, taken by the strong.”

Example of simile (226)

How does Zaroff’s idea of “civilized” hunting create internal conflict for Rainsford (226)? How can the term “game” be defined in the title for this story?

What are the rules Zaroff gives Rainsford for the game? What are the provisions Zaroff provides Rainsford (229)? Do you think this “game” is fair? Explain. Example of simile (231) How has Rainsford’s mentality changed (232)? TMDG (232-236)

What does Rainsford create first, hoping to end the game (232)?

What is the result? Example of simile (233)

What is Rainsford’s 2nd creation, hoping to end the game (234)?

What is the result? Example of hyperbole “He lived a year in a minute” (234). (overstatement) What is Rainsford’s 3rd creation, hoping to end the game (235)?

What is the result? How does the point of view change after Rainsford jumps into the sea (235)?

What are Zaroff’s “two slight annoyances” (235)?

Falling Action Describe the resolution (236). What do you think will happen to R. after this experience?