![]() The same irony that Zaroff presents in "The Most Dangerous Game" is also present at the pinnacle of civilization today - highly advanced and educated civilizations still murdering each other over land and resources. In some ways, Zaroff can be seen as a stand-in for humanity. The lavish house stands starkly against the dark jungle where the hunt occurs. While being an extremely "civilized" man in the sense that he is knowledgeable about aspects of high culture, he also presents himself as barbaric. Zaroff's comparisons and the subsequent hunt constantly raise the question of the validity of any type of hunting or war. Moreover, men have long participated in socially sanctioned activities, such as wars, that result in the death of the opposing party. Zaroff points out numerous times that the hunting of men is not much unlike the hunting of wild animals. Zaroff has a rather demented way of viewing the world, one that Rainsford has a difficult time understanding. The manner in which they were hunted is similar to the way Zaroff hunts his current prey as the Cossacks were known as fierce warriors. He also mentions the plight of the Cossacks, an ethnic group pushed out of Russia after the fall of the Czar. The theme of war as a hunt resonates through the back story of "The Most Dangerous Game." Zaroff explicitly compares his game to warfare, as a form of justification. The thematic use of darkness and the color black adds to the suspenseful, dramatic timbre of the story. The eyes of many of the characters are described as black pools. Zaroff has black eyebrows and a black beard. Ivan is described as having a long, black beard. In addition, there are many references to the color black. The darkness presented in the first scene of the story continues through the hunt and the eventual demise of Zaroff. Such an action can be read as a metaphor for his unwilling conversion into a hunter of men. Rainsford's last line of the story indicates that he slept in Zaroff's bed. In the end, it is implied that Rainsford has proven to be the greater hunter. As Rainsford is hunted, he does his best to try to destroy Zaroff through a series of traps. This particular theme remains a source of tension throughout the story. Zaroff, on the other hand, sees his pastime as similar to a war. ![]() Rainsford sees a clear difference between the two, hence his disgust at Zaroff's hunting of men. ![]() The central moral theme of the story involves the distinction between murder and hunting. For example, Zaroff describes several interactions with animals that resulted in injury on his part. The fragility of this relationship between the hunted and the hunter is not only displayed in the resolution of the story but also through various passages. Rainsford's form of hunting is passive whereas Zaroff's is active. However, he tries to undermine the game by setting traps for the hunter. Rainsford is thrust into the position of the hunted. As the story unfolds, however, their roles change. Both characters are well-accomplished big-game hunters. ![]() At the very beginning of story, Rainsford and Zaroff are presented as equals. The most obvious theme of " The Most Dangerous Game" is that which arises from the relationship of the hunter and the hunted.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |