As a dynamic character in Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game,” Sanger Rainsford does undergo changes in his personality. In the exposition of the story, for example, he laughs at Whitney, who sympathizes with the soon-to-be-hunted jaguars. ““Don’t talk rot, Whitney,” said Rainsford…. “Who cares how a jaguar feels?”” (Connell ).
Later, however, as he is being tracked by Zaroff, Rainsford hears the baying of Zaroff’s hounds drawing nearer and nearer. “Then he ran for his life. The hounds raised their voices as they hit the fresh scent. Rainsford knew now how an animal at bay feels” (Connell ).
In addition, when at dinner, the general announces his idea and Rainsford is at first appalled General Zaroff would do such a cruel thing as to hunt humans. As Zaroff puts it, ““I refuse to believe that so modern and civilized a young man as you seem to be harboring romantic ideas about the value of human life. Surely your experiences in the war-” “Did not make me condone cold-blooded murder,” finished Rainsford stiffly” (Connell ).
Having shown disgust for killing a man in cold-blood, Rainsford, nevertheless, returns to the Zaroff’s house and hides in the curtains of the bed, only to step out before the general realizes his presence. Rainsford only says, ““I am still a beast at bay…Get ready, General Zaroff…He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided” (Connell ).
This last sentence proves Rainsford became the victor and obviously disregarded the cold-blooded murder that he disapproved of. Indeed, Sanger Rainsford changes his opinions about hunting on two fronts: He alters his unconcern for the prey, and abandons his denial of Zaroff’s hunting of men and commits a cold-blooded act of murder himself.
The Essay on Literary Devices Rainsford Zaroff Story
In Richard Connell's short story, 'The Most Dangerous Game'; , the use of literary devices, found blended with other literary devices, gives the story an inner meaning. The blending of literary devices effectively expresses the intentions of Connell to present contrast between the antagonist and protagonist points of view. As a result, the reader can gain insight on the good and evil sides of the ...
