“Man is the only creature who refuses to be what he is.” ? Albert Camus. When talking about humans, one would not usually think that they could be so similar to animals. Animals can not tell when they are being hunted. They can not feel the way humans can. This is what Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game" thinks of animals at first. However, by Richard Connel's use of irony, suspense, and foreshadowing, Rainsford discovers that everyone is still an animal at heart.
While staying in General Zaroff’s house, Rainsford is treated exceptionally well. It is ironic, however, that the General plans to fight Rainsford to the death the next day. The General tells Rainsford he “do[es] [his] best to preserve the amenities of civilization” (Connel 24). Yet he hunts people on his island. Is that considered civil? Rainsford also describes the General as “A most thoughtful and affable host” (24). However, Rainsford does feel that something is slightly off with Zaroff. Whenever Rainsford looked up from his plate he “found the general studying him appraisingly and narrowly” (24). General Zaroff was studying Rainsford to be sure that he would not 'bore' him while he was hunting. He is treating Rainsford as if he were picking out a pet from the store. This obviously is not civil and it is also ironic.
While on the boat, Rainsford and Whitney are discussing jaguars. Whitney feels that hunting is the best sport in the world “‘for the hunter...Not for the jaguar’” (19-20). “They’ve no understanding" (20) is Rainsford's response. However, Whitney believes that they understand "the fear of pain and the fear of death" (20). In the end of the book, the reader will realize that Rainsford is the jaguar in General Zaroff's hunt and his opinion may have changed on whether the jaguar cares if it is being hunted. When Rainsford falls off of the boat his "cry was pinched off short as the blood warm waters of the Caribbean sea closed over his head" (21). When blood warm is used to describe the water, it makes the reader wonder. Why would the author be comparing the water to blood?
Speaking to General Zaroff, Rainsford notices the General has "red lips and pointed teeth" (24). This makes Zaroff seem more like an animal than a human. It also makes him seem a little bit off. Rainsford notices "there [is] one small trait of the General that ma[kes] [him] uncomfortable" (24). Which also builds the suspense. When Rainsford is on the boat with Whitney, Whitney is describing ship trap island to him. Rainsford remembers earlier that day when Captain Nielsen asks him if he feels anything. Rainsford then reveals that he did "feel something like a sudden chill" (20).
foreshadowing, suspense, and irony are what Richard Connel uses to help Rainsford realize that everyone is still an animal at heart. At first, Rainsford thinks that animals can not feel the same way as humans. He says that they can not tell when they are being hunted. Most people think that animals are too different from people to be compared to them. However, the only creature who refuses to be what he is is man.