TS
In the story “The Most Dangerous Game,” Rainsford’s main character trait is remaining calm
under pressure.
Cx
The story truly begins when Rainsford falls off a yacht in the middle of the Carribean. The
reader already knows that he is an experienced hunter and an author. When he finally makes
it to shore after his fall, he finds himself face to face with a man named General Zaroff who he
learns hunts humans for sport. Instead of being a guest, it turns out that Rainsford is to be
the prey. While he could have panicked, he reacted calmly and with great thought.
Quote
While being chased through the jungle, Rainsford found himself in a tight situation. He states
to himself, “’I will not lose my nerve. I will not.’ He slid down from the tree, and struck off
again into the woods. His face was set and he forced the machinery of his mind to
function. Three hundred yards from his hiding place he stopped where a huge dead tree
leaned precariously on a smaller, living one. Throwing off his sack of food, Rainsford took
his knife from its sheath and began to work with all his energy” (Connell 10).
Analysis
TS
In the story “The Most Dangerous Game,” Rainsford was justified in killing General Zaroff.
Cx
After hunting Rainsford for a period of time, General Zaroff believes that he has won the
game of cat and mouse. He believes Rainsford is dead and no threat to him. With this in
mind, he goes home, relaxes, and prepares to go to bed. But, instead of finding his room
empty, he finds Rainsford is waiting for him.
Quote
The reader isn’t told what Rainsford has in mind for General Zaroff, but Zaroff states,
"Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this
very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford” (Connell 15).
Analysis