A Theme Of Self-preservation In Richard Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game

The short story ‘The Most Dangerous Game’ written by Richard Connell is one full of hidden context and foreshadowing. It is a narrative about a well-known hunter, Sanger Rainsford’s journey as he washes up on a strange island shrouded by mystery. On this Island, He meets another celebrated hunter named General Zaroff who invites him to hunt something new. This story wishes to show the readers the extent of what a man will do when his life is at risk. Connell uses a method of writing that contains foreshadowing along with suspense to convey is his idea.

During the point of the story when Rainford falls off the boat is when we first see his battle of self-survival. Even when he believed a terrifying animal lay on his path towards safety he swam on. Countless obstacles such as jagged rocks, crashing waves and dense jungle terrain lay ahead of him. The story depicts Rainford’s struggle as such.’ With his remaining strength, he dragged himself from the swirling waters. Jagged crags appeared to jut up into the opaqueness; he forced himself upward, hand over hand. Gasping, his hands raw…’ The author is truly depicting humans’ never-ending strength of self-preservation.

Another example of self-preservation can be found when Rainford meets the general Zaroff. When Rainford and Zarioff first meet it begins the downward spiral as the true hunt begins. The general seems to be appraising Rainford as if he was an animal himself. An example of this can be found in the phrase ‘Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly.’ It is only when the general says ‘ It must have courage, cunning, and, above all, it must be able to reason.” does Rainford catch on? Despite obvious foreshadowing Rainford ignores the strange behavior in favor of a warm meal.

A final example can be found when the real hunt begins. As Rainford begins to accept that he must participate in the game he starts to play. When the hunter is placed in the position of the pray one must adjust to survive. The reader can begin to see the change in Rainford’s mindset as phrases such as ‘ I have played the fox, now I must play the cat of the fable.’ begin to appear. As the story continues Rainford sets up traps to escape, never once giving up on his goal of survival.

In the end, this story is presenting the ideal of how a man’s self-preservation can overcome any obstacle. Throughout the story, we can see Rainfords constant battle with survival and how he uses his inner strength to go on. 

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