The Most Dangerous Game Essay

In the short story “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell, a man named Sanger Rainsford faces a conflict which is being stranded on what he thinks is a deserted island. This island was totally uninhabited with the exception of one man who lives there, General Zaroff. General Zaroff loves to hunt, but he hunts more than just animals. You see, General Zaroff got tired of hunting just animals, he claims it was too easy for him since he was such an outstanding hunter. He wanted more of a challenge. Rainsford finds out that General Zaroff has hunted humans before, therefore making him a murderer. One critic has remarked, “Ironically, General Zaroff’s belief in his invincibility weakens him and causes his defeat.” I agree with this critic for many different reasons. It is good to be smart and fearless when stuck in bad situation. It can help you get out of it quickly. However, I believe that having too much courage in these situations is not good, and not helpful. When you think you are invincible in scary situations, this can weaken you and cause you defeat. This is why I agree with the critic who said this statement about General Zaroff. For example, while talking to Rainsford, General Zaroff reveals how cocky he is about his hunting skills. General Zaroff says he believes that life is for the stronger and the weak people are put here to give the stronger pleasure. He also adds that he is strong and that he should use his gift. You can conclude from what Zaroff is saying that he should be allowed to hunt whomever and whatever he pleases, which includes humans. Having a gift of being an excellent hunter does not give you the right to hunt the more challenging creatures (humans). Because he has a talent, Zaroff thinks he should be able to use it. This is what makes him think he is invincible, when he really is not. He is not invincible because his cockiness led to his defeat. For example, Zaroff thinks that Rainsford commits suicide to end the game. Zaroff thinks this because he thinks anyone would end the game rather to be put to death by an excellent hunter like himself. Zaroff’s invincibility is the reason for his defeat by Rainsford in the game because Rainsford did not kill himself. He pretended to so he could fool the General. Rainsford then attacked Zaroff when he least expected it.
In conclusion, General Zaroff’s belief in his cockiness and invincibility was the cause for his defeat. General Zaroff finally understands the feeling of being the prey for once – and not the predator!