Explores escape and interpretive writing in “The Most Dangerous Game”

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.

Due to the story’s short length, one can easily understand the theme. However, events in the story lead one to ponder their possibility. The theme centers on the cruelty and insensitivity that often dominates some facets of man’s misdemeanor. Zaroff’s cold blooded killing, for sport, of his fellow man, clearly demonstrates this. The change in Rainsford’s terror to murderous resolve also gives light to this. Regardless of its simplicity, the theme offers a profound view into the darker side of man’s soul.

First through the examination and then through the careful combination of plot, characters, and theme, Connell creates a masterpiece of escapism. Though lacking serious plot manipulation, the story grips the reader still. The lack of character development points to a conflict depicted through the characters rather then embodied by them. Although simple, the theme of “The Most Dangerous Game” gives the reader some insight into man’s more sinister side. It has been said that murder is not really all that difficult; storytellers and historians alike have proven this over and over again.