The Most Dangerous Game

Short Stories

by Richard Connell

Essential Questions:

How does Richard Connell use suspense and tension to engage readers and convey the story’s themes?
What role does the setting play in shaping the characters' actions and the overall atmosphere of the story?
How does Connell use irony to convey deeper meaning about civilization and savagery in The Most Dangerous Game?

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

Analyze the development of suspense and tension in the story.
Identify and explain key themes, such as survival, the hunter vs. the hunted, and human nature.
Explore the use of literary elements like foreshadowing, irony, and imagery.
Evaluate the characters’ motivations and moral decisions.

Richard Connell (1893–1949) was an American author best known for his short story "The Most Dangerous Game," a thrilling tale that has captivated readers for generations. Born in Poughkeepsie, New York, Connell displayed a keen interest in literature from an early age, foreshadowing his future success as a writer.Connell's literary journey began during his time at Harvard University, where he honed his writing skills and contributed to various campus publications. Following his graduation, he embarked on a career in journalism, working for prominent newspapers such as The New York American and The Associated Press. His experiences as a journalist greatly influenced his writing style, imbuing his works with a sense of realism and journalistic flair."The Most Dangerous Game," first published in 1924, remains Connell's most celebrated work. Set against the backdrop of a remote Caribbean island, the story follows the harrowing ordeal of Sanger Rainsford, a seasoned big-game hunter who becomes the prey in a deadly game orchestrated by the enigmatic General Zaroff. In addition to "The Most Dangerous Game," Connell wrote numerous other short stories, essays, and novels throughout his career, though none achieved quite the same level of acclaim. Despite his relatively small literary output, Connell's impact on the realm of suspense and adventure fiction is undeniable, cementing his legacy as a master storyteller.

Richard Connell

Historical Background

The historical background of The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell offers insight into the cultural, political, and literary contexts that influenced the story's themes and characters. Here are some key aspects of the background: Post-World War I Era (1920s) The Most Dangerous Game was first published in 1924, just a few years after World War I (1914-1918). The war had a profound impact on global attitudes toward violence, death, and survival. Many veterans and civilians alike were grappling with the trauma of the war, which desensitized many to violence and raised moral questions about human life and warfare. The Rise of Big-Game HuntingDuring the early 20th century, big-game hunting, particularly in Africa and other colonized regions, became popular among wealthy elites. Figures like Theodore Roosevelt famously indulged in hunting expeditions, and it was often seen as a sign of prestige, power, and dominance over nature.Themes of Moral Relativism and the Human ConditionThe early 20th century was a time of shifting moral values, particularly in the wake of the war and the rise of new philosophical movements like existentialism. Connell explores the idea of moral relativism through the character of Zaroff, who sees no difference between hunting animals and hunting humans.

Think About It

As you read The Most Dangerous Game, pay special attention to each of the 4 types of conflict.

Irony

Irony is a literary device that involves a contrast between expectation and reality. In literature, irony is used to create suspense, add depth to characters, or highlight themes. There are several types of irony, each serving a different purpose in storytelling: Verbal Irony, Situational Irony, and Dramatic Irony. The Purpose of Irony in Literature Irony serves multiple purposes in literature:

Developing Themes: Irony can highlight important themes by showing how reality differs from characters' expectations. For example, in stories that explore fate or the limits of human control, situational irony can emphasize how characters are often powerless in the face of larger forces.
Creating Suspense and Tension: Dramatic irony is often used to build suspense, as readers or viewers anticipate how and when a character will learn the truth.
Critiquing Society: Verbal irony can be used to critique or mock societal norms and behaviors. By saying one thing and meaning another, characters or narrators can reveal the foolishness or contradictions in people’s actions or beliefs.
Adding Humor: Irony can also add humor to a story, especially when characters are unaware of the true meaning of their words or actions.

Verbal Irony

Situational Irony

Dramatic Irony

Character Motivation

Definition: Character motivation refers to the reasons behind a character's actions, decisions, and behavior in a story. It is what drives the character to pursue their goals and respond to situations. Understanding a character's motivation helps readers comprehend why characters make certain choices, how they evolve throughout the story, and what internal or external forces are influencing them.

Types of Character Motivation

Internal Motivation: Internal motivation comes from within the character. It is influenced by personal beliefs, emotions, or desires. For example, a character might be motivated by love, fear, ambition, guilt, or revenge. These inner feelings push the character to take actions that align with their emotional state or moral values.

External Motivation: External motivation is driven by outside forces or events. Characters may be influenced by their environment, social pressures, or circumstances beyond their control. These external factors can push them toward certain actions, often related to survival, success, or overcoming obstacles.

Example: In The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen is internally motivated by her love for her family, which leads her to volunteer as tribute to protect her younger sister, Prim.

Example: In Harry Potter, Harry is externally motivated by his need to defeat Lord Voldemort and save the wizarding world. The danger posed by Voldemort is a force outside of Harry's control, yet it motivates his actions throughout the series.

Understanding Character Motivation

To understand a character’s motivation, readers should consider:

Background and Backstory:A character’s past experiences often shape their motivations. Their upbringing, relationships, and past struggles influence their choices and reactions in the story.

Goals and Desires:Characters usually have specific goals they want to achieve. These goals could be personal, like finding happiness or overcoming a fear, or external, such as defeating an enemy or solving a mystery. The pursuit of these goals fuels the character’s actions.

Conflict and Obstacles: Characters often face conflicts that challenge their motivations. These can be internal (struggles within the character’s mind or emotions) or external (conflicts with other characters, society, or nature). Overcoming these obstacles reveals how strongly a character is motivated and helps to develop their personality.

Example: In To Kill a Mockingbird, Atticus Finch is motivated by his belief in justice and equality. His background as a lawyer and his strong moral compass drive his decision to defend Tom Robinson, despite the social backlash.

Example: In The Great Gatsby, Jay Gatsby’s goal is to win back the love of Daisy Buchanan. His motivation to recreate their past relationship drives his actions throughout the novel.

Example: In Macbeth, Macbeth's ambition (internal motivation) to become king leads him to commit murder, but his increasing guilt (internal conflict) ultimately causes his downfall.

Character Motivation and Story Development

Character motivation is essential to the plot because it creates movement and conflict. As characters pursue their goals, their motivations can change in response to the events of the story. This growth, or lack thereof, is known as character development. A well-developed character will show a clear motivation that influences their decisions and helps drive the story forward.

Conclusion: Character motivation is a crucial element in understanding both individual characters and the overall narrative. It helps readers connect with the character on a deeper level, as they come to understand the reasons behind their actions. Whether the motivation is internal, external, or a mix of both, it shapes the character's journey and, ultimately, the outcome of the story.

Key Questions to Analyze Character Motivation:

What does the character want?
Why does the character want this?
What obstacles are standing in the character’s way?
How does the character respond to these obstacles?
How do the character’s motivations evolve throughout the story?

The Most Dangerous Game By Richard Connell 1924

In a story, the main character that pushes the plot and has goals is known as the protagonist. The antagonist attempts to prevent the protagonist from accomplishing their goals. While the protagonist is typically "the good guy," they don't always need to be.

Reading Focus

Foreshadowing is a literary device that indicates or hints to readers something that is to follow or appear later in a story. Try to look for foreshadowing throughout The Most Dangerous Game. There are many times when we get hints of what will happen later, specifically through the conversations between characters.

Vocabulary

Palpable (adjective) – easily noticed or perceptible

Example: The tension in the courtroom was so palpable that even the spectators could feel it.

Tangible (adjective) – capable of being touched

Example: The excitement of the crowd was almost tangible as the final seconds of the game approached.

Indolently (adverb) – lazily

Example: He stretched out on the couch and indolently flipped through the channels without much interest.

Dogged (adjective) – stubbornly determined

Example: Despite the numerous setbacks, her dogged determination helped her complete the marathon.

Anguish (noun) – severe emotional or physical pain

Example: The look of anguish on his face after hearing the tragic news was heartbreaking.

Vitality (noun) – great energy and liveliness

Example: The puppy’s boundless vitality made it difficult to keep up with him as he raced around the yard.

Vigor (noun) – energy and enthusiasm

Example: The teacher’s vigor during the lesson kept all of the students engaged and eager to participate.

Sallow (adjective) – an unhealthy pale or yellowish color

Example: His sallow complexion made it clear that he had been feeling ill for days.

Solicitous (adjective) – showing anxious concern for someone or something

Example: The nurse was solicitous of her patient’s needs, checking in frequently to ensure he was comfortable.

Venerable (adjective) – worthy of great respect, especially because of age, wisdom, or character

Example: The venerable professor had taught at the university for over fifty years and was admired by all.

Precariously (adverb) – in an insecure or unstable way

Example: The vase balanced precariously on the edge of the shelf, threatening to fall at any moment.

Imperative (adjective) – very important or essential

Example: It is imperative that you submit your application before the deadline if you want to be considered.

Pungent (adjective) – having a strong, usually bad, smell

Example: The pungent smell of rotting garbage filled the alley, making it hard to breathe.

Uncanny (adjective) – unnatural, eerie

Example: There was something uncanny about the way the house creaked at night, almost as if it were alive.

Affable (adjective) – friendly and pleasant

Example: The affable waiter made us feel welcome from the moment we entered the restaurant.

Condone (verb) – to accept or allow

Example: The school does not condone cheating in any form and has strict consequences for those who do.

Ardent (adjective) – passionate

Example: She was an ardent supporter of environmental causes, always attending rallies and events.

Lacerate (verb) – to cut

Example: The jagged rocks lacerated his leg as he climbed over the wall.

Vivid (adjective) – intensely bright

Example: The artist’s painting was filled with vivid colors that seemed to leap off the canvas.

Zealous (adjective) – extremely passionate or enthusiastic in support of a person, object, or cause

Example: The zealous fan followed the band on every tour, never missing a single concert.

Example: The sergeant gave no assurance of the paw’s safety.

The excitement in the room was so ___________ that everyone could feel it.

palpable

Anguish

Palpable

Ardent

Zealous

Vivid

Precariously

Dogged

Pungent

Solicitous

Imperative

Indolently

Affable

FILL IN THE BLANKS Vocabulary GAME

His __________ dedication to finishing the project, despite all the obstacles, impressed his teammates.

dogged

After working for hours in the garden, she sat _____________ in the shade, too tired to move.

indolently

The __________ smell of garlic filled the kitchen, making my eyes water.

pungent

The bright, __________ colors of the sunset took everyone’s breath away.

vivid

Anguish

Vivid

Solicitous

Uncanny

Venerable

Precariously

Venerable

Precariously

Lacerated

Vitality

Sallow

Precariously

FILL IN THE BLANKS Vocabulary GAME

The __________ old professor was highly respected by all of his students.

venerable

Her face had a sickly, __________ hue, showing just how ill she really was.

sallow

The climber held on _____________ to the edge of the cliff, struggling to pull himself up.

precariously

It is _____________ that you bring all the necessary documents for the meeting tomorrow.

imperative

Solicitous

Imperative

Sallow

Pungent

Vigor

Ardent

Anguish

Condone

Dogged

Affable

Lacerated

Uncanny

FILL IN THE BLANKS Vocabulary GAME

The pain from the injury caused him so much __________ that he could barely speak.

anguish

After the accident, the sharp glass __________ his arm, leaving deep cuts.

lacerated

The community didn’t _____________ the reckless behavior of the teenagers and demanded stricter rules.

condone

His __________ energy and enthusiasm were contagious, motivating everyone around him.

vitality

Solicitous

Vitality

Indolently

Zealous

Condone

Solicitous

Uncanny

Ardent

Palpable

Affable

Vigor

FILL IN THE BLANKS Vocabulary GAME

The cat moved __________ across the narrow ledge, trying not to fall.

solicitous

Her friendly and __________ personality made her popular with everyone she met.

affable

The strange events in the old house had an __________, almost supernatural feel.

uncanny

His __________ support for the team was evident, as he never missed a game.

zealous

Lacerated

Zealous

Vitality

Uncanny

Anguish

Sallow

Vigor

Solicitous

Condone

Dogged

Ardent

Pungent

FILL IN THE BLANKS Vocabulary GAME

The __________ young boy ran across the field with boundless energy.

vigor

The coach’s __________ attitude towards practice helped his team achieve great success.

ardent

She was __________ in her efforts to make sure everyone felt welcome at the party.

solicitous

Characters

Sanger Rainsford: The protagonist of the story, Rainsford is a skilled hunter who initially sees hunting as a sport devoid of empathy for the prey. He is resourceful, clever, and adapts quickly to the perilous situation he finds himself in when he becomes the hunted.
General Zaroff: The antagonist of the story, General Zaroff is a highly cultured and sophisticated aristocrat who has grown bored with hunting traditional game. He possesses a dark and twisted sense of morality, believing that he has the right to hunt and kill humans for sport. Zaroff is intelligent, cunning, and utterly devoid of empathy.
Ivan: Zaroff's mute and imposing assistant, Ivan is described as a hulking brute with immense physical strength. He serves as Zaroff's enforcer, carrying out his master's orders with ruthless efficiency.
Whitney: Rainsford's friend and hunting companion in the story's opening, Whitney provides a contrasting viewpoint to Rainsford's initial indifference towards the prey. He expresses concern about the hunted animals, foreshadowing the moral dilemma Rainsford will face later in the story.
The Sailors: Briefly mentioned in the story, the sailors of the ship on which Rainsford finds himself at the beginning of the story serve as a means of transporting Rainsford to the island where the hunt takes place.

As you read, click on the icons for definitions and other information to help you better understand what you are reading. Click on the questions that occur as you read to confirm understanding.

The Most Dangerous Game

By Richard Connell

Palpable (adjective) : easily noticed or perceptible

Pacing Guide

The following 27 slides can be read over two days. At the end of this story you will answer the following questions:

Which types of conflict are evident in "The Most Dangerous Game?" How do you know?
How might the author's use of the word "game" in the title of this story have a double meaning?