Aside from the beginning, Connell's use of plot manipulation does not stand out. Connell first uses a highly improbable event to set the basis for his story. The events that follow do so in a more or less believable and orderly manner. One can see the prime example when, after learning of Zaroff's grizzly hobby, Rainsford finds himself the prey. Even though Connell's uses subtle plot manipulation, the story does not suffer from lack of excitement and intrigue.
Due to the short length of the text, the characters of Zaroff and Rainsford seem rather undeveloped. Zaroff portrays the cold, methodical, and ruthless hunter; his decision to prolong the game each day does not fit with this. Rainsford begins the story with a mind set that follows closely to that of Zaroff, but by the end, his point of view has taken a complete reversal. Although extenuating circumstances easily explain Rainsford's change in disposition, Zaroff's do not seem to have a logical explanation. Although Connell's characters engage the reader they point to a main focus other than themselves.
2
Due to the story's short length, one can easily understand the theme. However, events in the story lead one to ponder their possibility. The theme centers on the cruelty and insensitivity that often dominates some facets of man's