1. The Most Dangerous Game
By Richard Connell
The Most Dangerous Game

2. Richard Connell ( )
Richard Connell was a prolific author who started writing as young as the age of ten. He continued to write throughout his young adult life, indeed even after enlisting in World War I, where he worked as the editor of the camp newsletter Gas Attack. In fact, most of his short stories were later turned into movies. The most famous story and basis for multiple films was Connell’s The Most Dangerous Game.
Connell moved to California in 1925 to focus on writing film scripts. His film credits include Meet John Doe and Seven Faces. Connell was so devoted to writing that at the time of his death, he was working on a play.

3. DANGEROUS ELEMENTS LITERARY IN PLOT SETTING FORESHADOWING LANGUAGE
Figurative language adding additional meaning to the text (personification, metaphor, simile)
Problem in the story
Overall message or lesson of the story
Future events suggested by the author before they occur
Contrasting character that emphasizes specific traits of another character
Sequence of events in a story
Time and place a story occurs
LITERARY
ELEMENTS
DANGEROUS IN
PLOT
SETTING
FORESHADOWING
LANGUAGE
THEME
FOIL
CONFLICT

4. READING BEFORE prediction
Based on the author’s biography and the information you perused in The Most Dangerous Game, make a
prediction
about the PLOT and the SETTING of the story.

5. Vocabulary to know imprudent elude scruples lacerated amenities ennui
pungent
To tear roughly
imprudent
Fearful of what’s coming
lacerated
Passionate about an activity
Having moral integrity
apprehensive
amenities
Sharp irritating sensation
ardent
Tangible
palpable
Comfortable and convenient
ennui
disarming
Evade or avoid
stamina
Weariness or boredom
elude
scruples
Dangerously lacking stability
Staying power
precariously
Rash and unwise
Charming or flattering

6. The plot of the story focuses on a hunter who preys upon shipwrecked sailors on an isolated island in the Caribbean in the years following World War I.
Though the word ‘game’ is often thought of as a playful entertainment, it also refers to animals that are hunted. At one time, hunting for big-game trophies was considered a great sport, and hunters kept the animals’ heads mounted on walls in their homes or hunting lodges as proof of their courage and adventure.
STORY
BACKGROUND

7. Read The Most Dangerous Game to:
Find out how the author uses foil characters to create a story relatable to multiple generations.
Find out how Connell uses foreshadowing to help readers predict the ending of the story.

8. After
Reading
Does Connell use hints and clues effectively in the story, or does he give too much information away? Support your opinion with story details.
A foil is a character who provides strong contrast to another character, usually the protagonist, in order to emphasize particular traits. In what ways is General Zaroff a foil to Rainsford? Give three specific examples from the story to support your answer.

9. The Most Dangerous Game
Extra Credit
Write an alternate ending to the story while including three examples of figurative language and the excerpt “He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.” Be sure to circle your examples and identify what type of figurative language it is. (30 pts)
Create a comic strip of the story The Most Dangerous Game. Include significant words/dialogue in each panel that illustrates character traits. (15 pts)
Draw and color a sketch of Ship-Trap Island based on descriptions in the story. (15 pts)