Trinity Choi

7 August 2014
Adv. English Summer Homework
Suspense in The Most Dangerous Game
In Richard Connells short story The Most Dangerous Game, the writer uses many
techniques to paint a brilliantly suspenseful narrative. The events are vividly described in a way
that captures the readers attention and gives them a startling view of Rainsford's peril. The
literary devices used in this story effectively create an action-packed story, keeping the reader on
the edge of their seat. In The Most Dangerous Game, Connell includes irony, threats to the
protagonist, and unanswered questions in order to develop suspense.
Irony plays an important part in the first few scenes of the story. These scenes may seem
out of place or even unnecessary to the reader at first glance; however, by the end of the story, it
becomes obvious why Connell chose to include them. For example, in the beginning, Whitney
expresses his sympathy for the hunted by pointing out, ... I rather think they understand one
thing fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death. (1) Rainsford simply responds, Be a realist.
The world is made up of two classes the hunters and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are
hunters. (1) Unlike Whitney, Rainsford shows no concern towards the animals he hunts and
brushes off his companions words easily. The irony in this becomes clear as the story
progresses. Although Rainsford did not pay much attention to Whitneys contemplations, the
fear of pain and the fear of death soon becomes all that he knows when he is forced to take part
in General Zaroffs game. His position in hunting takes an abrupt turn from in his own
previous words hunter to huntee. The writers use of irony here is a key tool in hinting at future
events and setting up suspense from the beginning.

Another method often used by Connell is planting unanswered questions so that the
reader is partly left in the dark. This creates an air of mystery and keeps the reader guessing.
Giving minimal information, the writer progresses to the climax slowly, leaving a trail of hints.
This is used as early as Rainsford and Whitneys conversation in the beginning of the story,
when the two discuss the crews strange behaviour. Whitney recalls, Yes, even that toughminded old Swede, whod go up to the devil himself and ask him for a light... All I could get out
of him was This place has an evil name among seafaring men, sir. Then he said to me, very
gravely, Dont you feel anything? as if the air about us was actually poisonous. Now, you
mustnt laugh when I tell you this I did feel something like a sudden chill. (1) Although it is
not clear why Whitney felt uneasy at this point in the story, it makes the reader wonder whether
there is more to the superstition than meets the eye.
To further increase the tension, Connell does not explicitly state what animal the general
hunts until the suspense has built up significantly. General Zaroff proceeds to avoid the question
until the reader and Rainsford are able to put together the clues they have been given. As the
anticipation rises, more and more information is released, piece by piece. These vague ideas and
slow but steady buildup lead to a greater sense of horror when the reader figures out that what
General Zaroff is a murderer who hunts human beings as opposed to animals. In addition, when
Rainsford finally speaks the truth out loud, the effect is greater than it would be if it were too
obvious from the start. I cant believe you are serious, General Zaroff. This is a grisly joke.
Why should I not be serious? I am speaking of hunting. Hunting? General Zaroff, what you
speak of is murder. (8) The ball is dropped and the result is an ice-cold chill down the readers
spine. By setting up unanswered questions in the beginning of Rainsford and the generals

conversation, Connell can pace the excitement and deliver the punchline as effectively as
possible.
Following the reveal of General Zaroffs true intentions, Connell begins another buildup.
After Rainsfords several subtle attempts to escape, it becomes clear that he is to be the generals
next victim. As the reader has, by this point, probably started to sympathise with Rainsford, this
newly posed threat produces even more tension. His refusal to hunt does not improve the
situation: The general shrugged his shoulders and delicately ate a hothouse grape. As you wish,
my friend, he said. The choice rests entirely with you. But may I not venture to suggest that
you will find my idea of sport more diverting than Ivans? He nodded toward the corner where
the giant stood, scowling, his thick arms crossed on his hogshead of chest. (10) It is now evident
that Rainsford will be forced to play the generals game, unless he wishes to be executed by Ivan
instead. The protagonist is stuck between the metaphorical rock and a hard place, and both will
most likely result in his death.
By the first night of the hunt, it seems possible that Rainsford may emerge alive and well
he, too, is a skilled hunter and will not give in very easily. However, when the time comes for
General Zaroff to look for him, it is obvious that the general is already one step ahead of him.
Why had the general smiled? Why had he turned back?... The general was playing with him!
The general was saving him for another days sport! The Cossack was the cat; he was the mouse.
Then is was that Rainsford knew the full meaning of terror. (12) Both the reader and Rainsford
are now struck with the realisation that General Zaroff is much more cunning and skilled than he
seems. The decision to save him for another day poses a looming threat and only adds to the
suspense.

As the hunt continues, the plot bends and it is unclear who will be victorious in this
game. Rainsford is knowledgeable, but the general is cautious not to fall into his traps. The terror
that grows in him after each failure is easily felt by the reader, as it is described in great detail.
He staggered, but he did not fall; nor did he drop his revolver. He stood there, rubbing his
injured shoulder, and Rainsford, with fear again gripping his heart, heard the generals mocking
laugh ring through the jungle. The general, as the reader soon learns, is nearly immune to
Rainsfords attempts. Regardless of the amount of effort he puts into tricking the general,
General Zaroff seems to always have the upper hand. It appears highly unlikely that Rainsford
will be able to throw the general off his trail and save himself. With Rainsfords life on the line,
threats to the protagonist are some of Connells most successful efforts in keeping a high level of
suspense throughout.
All in all, The Most Dangerous Game is a memorable account that tests courage, skill,
and morals. Its use of suspense plays a vital part in keeping the story together. Connell includes
irony throughout to provide foreshadowing and drop clues. Unanswered questions are another
important method; readers are encouraged to think, rather than to simply read. As a final blow,
Connell threatens Rainsfords life and creates an air of danger to ensure that the reader wants to
keep turning the pages. Combined, these elements spin a tale that is both haunting and thrilling,
captivating the reader not only during, but after the story as well.