Analysis of The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell

When you think of hunting, a majority would say hunting animals. General Zaroff told Rainsford something unusual about his interests in hunting. Zaroff has fallen off and lost the yacht and now he is stranded on an island, known as the ‘Ship-Trap Island.’ In this essay, I will dissect Rainsford’s point of view in Richard Connell’s short story “The Most Dangerous Game.” Throughout the adventure, Rainsford's point of view of General Zaroff changed over time. Although some individuals would think he solved the conflict wrongly, I would argue that it was the only solution.

Rainsford's first encounter with General Zaroff seems positive, as he thought he was handsome and had wacky face features. General Zaroff's estate seems wealthy since the author illustrated “a huge, beam-ceilinged bedroom with a canopied bed big enough for six men.” It is assumed wealthy people usually are civilized, such as following the common laws. But the general was not the majority. Rainsford finds out that Zaroff wants to hunt animals that can reason, such as humans. The general thinks “life is for the strong… the weak of the world were put here to give a strong pleasure.” It describes this character as someone that just thinks of themselves and the stronger, even if it means killing the weak. As result, Rainsford's interpretation of the general begins to become negative after discovering his true colors.

Zaroff now has a problem, he wants to leave the island forever—but he must complete a task. General Zaroff creates an internal conflict into an external one by telling Rainsford that he must play “The Most Dangerous Game” to leave. Throughout the long three days, Rainsford places numerous amounts of traps to weaken (or slow down) the general. Soon after, Rainsford goes into the sea before Zaroff kills him. In the end, Zaroff loses in the duel, so Rainsford decided “He had never slept in a better bed.” The main conflict in “The Most Dangerous Game” in Rainsford’s view is to overpower the general by doing brutal actions.

Many would argue that what Rainsford has done was wrong, but I think not. General Zaroff threatens Zaroff by saying “But may I not venture to suggest that you will find my idea of sport more diverting than Ivan’s?” This threat provides that the general is cold-hearted since he does not care for humanity, so he deserved his punishment. In most court causes of serial killers; they usually get either life in prison or capital punishment. Rainsford’s solution was the best option for civilization, making him a hero.

Throughout the story, Rainsford's view of the general changes after learning more information about him. Zaroff has no other alternative to work out this conflict but to kill General Zaroff. You will never know for certain that somebody is a generous person until you cross over the river to their true self. Even the people closest to you.