“The Most Dangerous Game” Analysis
“The Most Dangerous Game” is a rich short story, replete with vivid imagery and literary
devices that help create a story that is multi-faceted. Our task will be to explore the
different aspects of this story, and examine how they create mental images, while also
learning elements of literature and practicing good argument construction.
You will work in small groups. In groups you will be responsible for exploring one of the
following assigned topics: Foreshadowing, Characterization of Rainsford,
Characterization of Zaroff, Mood, Setting, and Conflict.
Once your group is assigned its element, you must work together to find quotes in the
text that you think are STRONG examples of your element. Each member of the group
must complete steps 1 – 4 on their own paper.
STEPS:
1. Search for quotes that reflect your assigned literary element.
2. Copy quotes down on notebook paper. Include page numbers.
3. Examining your quotes, create an inference about your literary element.
a. Ex.) The author’s use of words such as _______________________
creates a feeling of _________________________ in the passage.
b. Ex.) The author’s comparison of _____________________ to
____________ shows that Rainsford is ________________________.
c. Ex.) The use of imagery in this passage, like _______________________
and __________________ create a setting that is
_______________________.
4. Once you have created an inference, write commentary to explain how the quote
helped you come up with this opinion.
a. Ex.) The author’s diction is largely
negative/positive/clunky/dangerous/melodic which helps create the feeling
of _______________ because the words are largely associated with
__________________.
5. Now you are ready to create your mini-poster. On the FRONT write your
assigned literary element largely and clearly.
6. Copy your quote on the same side of the paper as your element.
7. Create a drawing illustrating your quote on the same side as the quote and literary
element.
8. On the BACK of the paper write your argument. The argument must include you
inference, lead-in to quote, quote, and commentary.
Each example will be constructed as follows:
Imagery
“There was a medieval magnificence about it; it suggested a baronial hall of
feudal times with its oaken panels, its high ceiling, its vast refectory tables where
twoscore men could sit down to eat. About the hall were the mounted heads of many
animals – lions, tigers, elephants, moose, bears.”
On the back of your drawing, write a paragraph explaining the impact of this sentence
within the context of the story. For example:
In this passage, Rainsford has just entered General Zaroff’s home. Something about the
rich, old furniture suggests an ominous tone. The massive structures coupled with the
amount of dead animals help create this atmosphere. Words like “baronial” and
“magnificence” hint at the general wealth displayed in this scene. Even though Zaroff
surrounds himself with feral objects, he still indulges in rich luxuries. The scene is one
from a man who spares himself no desire, which is reflected in his later admission of
hunting men just for sport.