“The Most Dangerous Game”

By: Richard Connell

Before you read, predict the future

• What do you think the title “The Most Dangerous Game” means?

• The word game may have more than one meaning. What do you predict the word “game” might mean in this short story?

• Does this remind you of any other story?

• What do you think might happen in this story or what do you think the conflict might be?

“Most Dangerous Game” Pre-Reading Questions

Answer the following on a scale of Strongly Disagree 1 2 3 Strongly Agree

And explain your answer in 1-2 sentences.

1.Hunting is a sport in which I participate.2.It is morally or ethically “right” to hunt for the thrill, interest or fascination.3.Those people who perform well under pressure tend to succeed at their tasks.4.If faced with a seemingly impossible task, you should never try to accomplish it.5.The first impression you have of someone is usually correct.

Freytag’s Pyramid for “Most Dangerous Game”

With your partners, draw what Freytag’s Pyramid look like for “Most Dangerous Game.”

Don’t forget to include all the aspects: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution.

Freytag’s Pyramid (pg. 9)

Protagonist vs. Antagonist

Protagonist = the leading character in a movie, novel, short story, etc.

Antagonist = a person who actively opposes or is hostile to someone or something

Who is the protagonist and who is the antagonist in “The Most Dangerous Game?”

Character Foil

Character Foil = a minor character whose character traits highlight those of the main character

Ex: “Big Bang Theory” = Penny is the foil to Sheldon

Ex: Romeo & Juliet = Mercutio is the foil to Romeo

Ex: “Most Dangerous Game” = Whitney is the foil to Rainsford

Turn and Talk

What other instances is Whitney a foil for Rainsford?

Group Discussion

Get into the prearranged groups and discuss questions on your sheet

Answers should be specific and precise

Close Read

“We should have some good hunting...The world is made of two classes - the hunters and the huntees.” (pgs. 22-23)

What does this show about Rainsford? How does the character of Whitney help us as the readers better understand Rainsford?

Journal: Manhunters

• http://www.hulu.com/watch/38151

• How is the discussion between Dennis, Mac, and Frank similar or different with the one between General Zaroff and Rainsford? Give specifics from the clip and the story.

Close Read

“The general smiled the quiet smile of success...Hunting? Good God, General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder.” (pgs. 29-30)

Do you agree with Rainsford or Zaroff? Explain your reasoning.

Characterization

How does Connell describe General Zaroff?

With your partners, draw a picture and write a short description based on the adjectives, specific words that Connell uses to describe Zaroff. Look back into the text!

Foreshadowing

Connell uses foreshadowing to allude to the reader what will happen between Rainsford and Zaroff.

With your group, find 3 examples (quotes and page numbers) from story.

Full Class Discussion

How did the game end? What do you think Zaroff meant when he thought “the American hadn’t played the game?”

Full Class Discussion

Did Rainsford do the right thing at the end of the story? Defend or criticize his act and explain your reasons.

Journal

Imagine you are Rainsford and you have just gone to your room after dinner with General Zaroff.

Write a journal entry from Rainsford’s perspective about your feelings about Zaroff and what you learned about his favorite hobby. What do you think will happen tomorrow?

Use sensory details and descriptions in your journal entry.