“The Most Dangerous Game” Graphic Organizer
Prompt: Identify three conflicts in the story and explain how each conflict enhances the plot.
Type of Conflict
Man vs. Nature
Man vs. Himself
How do I know? Examples
Rainsford battles the sea and almost
drowns as he swims for his life to the
nearest island which is lined with rocks
and is set on a high cliff making it
difficult to get to the safety of land.
Quote to support example
“The cry was pinched off short as the
blood-warm waters of the Caribbean Sea
closed over his head.” (9)
Why suspenseful? Explanations
Rainsford could have, and probably
should have, died in the sea since it is so
treacherously dangerous and the island
coastline so forbidding.
“… the wash of from the speeding yacht
slapped him in the face and the salt water
in his open mouth made him gag and
strangle.” (10)
Rainsford struggles with overcoming his
crippling fear of being murdered.
“For a seemingly endless time he fought
the sea.” (10)
“I must keep my nerve. I must keep my
nerve.” (19)
Rainsford discovers that Zaroff is a
skilled hunter, maybe more skilled than he
is.
“… he had plunged along, spurred on by
the sharp rowels of something very like
panic.” (19)
Rainsford’s fear was crippling his ability
to think clearly enough to devise plans to
get away from Zaroff.
“It sent a shudder of cold horror through
his whole being.” (20)
“Then it was that Rainsford knew the full
meaning of terror.” (20)
“… Rainsford… was awakened by the
sound that made him know that he had
new things to learn about fear.” (22)
“Rainsford knew how an animal at bay
feels.” (22)
Man vs. Man
Rainsford squares off with General Zaroff
in a life or death battle. Zaroff is intent
upon killing Rainsford, and he has done
so to many men so Rainsford knows that
he will not hesitate to murder him also.
“Hunting? Good God, General Zaroff,
what you speak of is murder.” (15)
“Your brain against mine. Your
woodcraft against mine. Your strength
and stamina against mine. Outdoor chess!
And the stake is not without value, eh?”
(18)
Rainsford is the underdog in the chase and
readers typically cheer for the underdog
especially if he is the good guy.
Type of Conflict
Man vs. Man continued
How do I know? Examples
Examples of the confrontations include:
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Malay man-catcher
Burmese tiger pit
Switch blade trick that kills Ivan
The final showdown
Quote to support example
“… only the devil himself could follow
that complicated trail through the jungle
after dark. But, perhaps, the general was
a devil─” (19)
“It seemed to Rainsford that the general
was coming with unusual swiftness; he
was not feeling his way along, foot by
foot.” (21)
“One of us is to furnish a repast for the
hounds. The other will sleep in this very
excellent bed. “ (23)
Why suspenseful? Explanations