Rainsford's Bravery in The Most Dangerous Game Essay Example

Sometimes doing something brave can be difficult. Rainsford, an individual who loves hunting, ends up on an island, called Ship Trap, with General Zaroff, the antagonist. In Richard Connell's “The Most Dangerous Game," Rainsford is a brave character because he overcomes many obstacles while on the island, yet stills wins the game.

One way Rainsford shows his bravery is by what he says. For example, Rainsford states that his time in the war "Did not make me condone cold blooded murder," (Connell 34). In this part of the story, Zaroff is trying to say how Rainsford "hunted people" in war. Rainsford explains that his time in war didn't make him want to murder people more than animals. Rainsford also says “‘I am still a beast at bay,’...’Get ready, General Zaroff,’" (Connell 42). After he wins the game, he stays humble and doesn't brag. This quote explains how brave he is because it proves that he is ready for what's to come, even if it means he has to hunt with Zaroff again. What Rainsford says throughout the story reflects his braveness. 

Another way Rainsford shows his bravery is through his actions. For example, Rainsford tries to calm Ivan down when he first gets to Zaroff’s house by saying, “Don't be alarmed,” with a smile (Connell 30). This further proves that Rainsford is brave because even though Ivan had a gun pointed at Rainsford's face, he kept calm. Doing so would take a lot of courage. Another example is when Rainsford makes the trap with the spikes and the rug and he hears Zaroff and his dogs coming (Connell 40). Once he hears the footsteps, he runs to hide really fast. He could have panicked and gotten shot, but he stayed calm and thought rationally, which takes a lot of bravery. Overall, how Rainsford handles these situations exhibits his bravery. 

Another--but not the last--way Rainsford shows his bravery is through how he feels. For example, Rainsford tells Zaroff that his “hunting” is murder (Connell 34). Rainsford is standing up to Zaroff even though he is a general and is very good at hunting. This takes bravery because Zaroff is a general and it is not easy to talk to someone with a higher title. Another example is when Zaroff looks up the tree that Rainsford is in, but walks away. After this, Rainsford collects himself and slides down from the tree and into the woods (Connell 38). Zaroff could come back and shoot him, but Rainsford is brave and goes out anyway. Rainsford’s feelings exhibit his bravery throughout the story. 

Overall, Rainsford in Richard Connell's “The Most Dangerous Game” shows his bravery in many ways. Rainsford proves this through many of his words in the story. He also shows how brave he is by his feelings and thoughts. He also does brave things throughout the story. To conclude, Rainsford stays brave, which contributes to him winning the game.