The Most Dangerous Game Name: ______

By Richard Connell

1.  Who is Rainsford? Where is he headed?

2.  Who is Whitney? Explain the difference of opinion he has with Rainsford.

3.  Read the complete definition of foreshadowing, then write a definition. How does the author create suspense and foreshadow coming events in the discussion about Captain Nielsen and the Island?

4.  While sitting on the yacht in the dark, Rainsford hears ______.

5.  Read and discuss with a classmate the definition for imagery, then write your understanding of what imagery is. Search pages 69 – 70 and write 2 examples of imagery that appeal to different senses.

6.  Contrast how Ivan greets Rainsford with how Zaroff

greets him.

7.  What does Zaroff say in response to Rainsford’s remark

about the Cape buffalo? What question does the author

plant in the minds of the reader?

8.  What reasons does General Zaroff give for having become bored with hunting big game?

9.  What is Zaroff’s “ideal quarry?”

10.  Write 3 words or phrases directly from the story that describe the impressive mansion setting. How does the author contrast this setting with the character of Zaroff?

11.  How does General Zaroff get the “animals” he hunts?

12.  Write the definition for characterization.

a.  How does Connell characterize Ivan (direct characterization)?

b.  What do we learn about Ivan from Zaroff (indirect characterization)?

13.  What is ironic about Zaroff’s description of his treatment of prisoners?

14.  What happens if a man refuses to be hunted?

15.  When Rainsford says that he will not hunt, what does the General say?

16.  Rainsford realizes that when the general says that the two of them will hunt, he means…

  1. Explain the irony of the situation Rainsford is now in.

17.  At this point in the story it is clear who the protagonist is (______) and who the antagonist is (______)!

18.  How does Rainsford first attempt to trick General Zaroff?

19.  Imagery and Setting. Find descriptions of the jungle on page 79 that appeal to:

  1. Sight:
  2. Touch:
  3. Sound:
  4. Smell:

20.  When the general reaches the tree where Rainsford is hiding, he smiles, blows a smoke ring, and walks back the way he came. What conclusion does Rainsford draw from this?

21.  What trap does Rainsford set next, and what is the result?

22.  The author uses vivid diction (choice of words) to describe the dangers Rainsford encounters in Death Swamp. Write two phrases here:

23.  What is the third trap Rainsford sets, and what is the result?

24.  Define hyperbole, then write the example from page 81.

  1. Explain what is meant by the example.

25.  How does Ivan die?

26.  What does the general believe has happened to

Rainsford, and why is he annoyed as he eats his dinner?

Critical Thinking

27.  Rainsford tells the general that he is still ‘“a beast at bay.”’ What does this imply?

28.  Evaluate Rainsford’s final act. Do you think he did the right thing? What might you have done in his situation?

29.  Do you think Rainsford’s attitude about hunters and huntees changes by the end of the story? Elaborate.

30.  Identify the last three plot stages:

  1. Climax:
  2. Denouement:
  3. Resolution:

31.  Define tone. What might the author’s tone reveal?

32.  Define suspense. In what ways did Connell build suspense in the story?

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