Short Story Unit / 1
Mrs. Dudek
Academic English 9
Name______Period ______
Short Story: “The Most Dangerous Game”
NAME ______PERIOD ______
Literary Analysis: conflict, setting, and suspense on the Short Story Unit Terms sheet.
- Some of the most exciting narratives pit villain (antagonist) against hero (protagonist) in a life-or-death struggle. The tension in such stories often depends as much on the character of the bad guy or gal as on that of the hero. Write a few sentences describing a villain from a novel, story, or movie.
Why does that kind of a character fascinate people?
- Reading Skill:Making Predictions
Note the title “The Most Dangerous Game” and the quotation “Sailors have a curious dread of the place.” Why might sailors dread this island? Make a prediction in the space below.
Vocabulary Builder: Word List
Bizarre futile grotesque indolently naive palpable scruples
A. Directions: In each of the following items, think about the meaning of the italicized word and then answer the question.
1. What is the danger if you approach a research paper assignment indolently?
- How are you feeling if you have scruples about doing something?
3. How would you feel if you make a long and futile journey?
4. If the tension during the final two minutes of a game is palpable, do you think the spectators feel suspense or not? Explain.
5. What is another word that can be used to describe something that is grotesque?
6. Is it easy to fool someone who is naive? Explain.
7. If an event is bizarre, is it likely surprising? Explain.
Read the story to page ______and respond:
3. What is described as palpable in the story?
4. What do you know about the two men, Whitney and Rainsford, so far? Give personality traits along with their reason for traveling.
Rainsford / Whitney5. What do we know so far about the setting of “The Most Dangerous Game”?
Read halfway down to the words “I can’t tell in the dark…” and respond:
6. What is each man’s view of hunting?
WHITNEY—
RAINSFORD—
7. Considering their philosophies of hunting, which man do you agree with, Rainsford or Whitney? Why?
Read to the break and respond:
8. What phrases hint at the coming conflict in the story?
9. Write the sentence where tangible is used in the story.
- How can evil be a tangible thing? Give some examples.
Continue reading, responding as you go:
10. Near the end of p______, what is Rainsford doing, which would indicate to the reader that he is being indolent?
11. What phrase is used to describe the sea (which is a way to foreshadow violence to come)?
Continue reading, responding as you go:
12. In “he struggled up to the surface and tried to cry out…” What is the conflict described here, and is it external or internal?
13. The writer describes Rainsford’s conflict with the sea by referring to it as a creature with greedy lips. Does this comparison make sense? Why or why not?
14. Based on the description of General Zaroff, draw him in the space provided.
General Zaroff
Continue reading, answering questions as you go:
15.General Zaroff and Ivan are Cossacks. What do Zaroff’s remarks about Cossacks suggest about how he will behave later in the story?
16. The phrase “the most dangerous game,” a reference to the title. If the Cape buffalo isn’t the most dangerous game, to what “game” do you think Zaroff might be referring? Write down your prediction.
17. How has the lack of an external conflict led to an internal conflict for General Zaroff?
18. Why might a level of perfection be boring?
19. As you read the rest of the page, how does the author create suspense, or anticipation, here?
20. According to Zaroff, what are the 3 qualities of an ideal quarry?
a.
b.
c.
21. The English naturalist Charles Darwin (1809-1882) formulated the theory of evolution, an important part of which is the principle of natural selection. Basically, animals with certain advantages (stronger, smarter, quicker) are more likely to live longer and to pass on their genetic advantages to their offspring. On the other hand, natural selection helps to eliminate weaker animals because they are likely to die before passing on the weak traits to their offspring.
- In what way is Zaroff’s interpretation of Darwin’s theory of “survival of the fittest” flawed? For instance, what would happen if everyone adhered to this philosophy?
- What is a famous historical example of someone who also twisted the principle of natural selection in order to justify committing heinous acts upon his fellow man?
Literary Analysis: Theme = a message about life that the author presents through characters and action. The insight may be about problems, conditions, or situations in human life.
22. A theme is expressed in complete sentences. The following is one theme of “The Most Dangerous Game”: Only point of view distinguishes hunting from murder. Compare/contrast hunting and murder in a Venn diagram below:
Read to the middle of ______and respond:
23. What are the terms of the game (in detail)?
24. How has the conflict changed between Rainsford and Zaroff?
25. What feelings or forces within himself must Rainsford control in order to survive?
26. Why does Zaroff smile and blow the smoke ring? Who seems to have the upper hand in the conflict as this point? Explain.
27. What is Rainsford’s mental or emotional reaction to Zaroff ? What does Rainsford plan to do next? (Note: Oftentimes, fiction writers follow scenes with sequels, moments of mental or emotional reactions to what has just happened.)
28. What happens to Ivan?
29. General Zaroff regards himself as a civilized man and refers to luxuries such as champagne and fine tableware as “amenities of civilization.”
- In our culture, what material possessions, actions, or inner qualities suggest that someone is civilized?
- Which do you think are better indicators that someone is civilized: material possessions or inner qualities?
- Is Zaroff a civilized man? Explain.
30. How is the conflict resolved at the end of the story? In other words, who wins the game, and how do you know?
31. Considering his Zaroff-like appreciation of the fine bed, what is suggested about Rainsford’s mental state by the last line of the story?
“The Most Dangerous Game”
Reading Skill: Use Details to Make Inferences
An inference is a logical guess that you make based on details in a story. When you make
inferences, you read between the lines to understand information that is not stated directly. To make inferences, ask yourself questions about the feelings and behavior of the characters. Here are some helpful questions to ask.
. What does this detail show about a character’s motivation, or the reasons for his or her
behavior?
. What does this passage say about the character’s unspoken feelings and thoughts?
Example from “The Most Dangerous Game”:
Detail from the story: “I can’t believe you are serious, General Zaroff. This is a grisly joke.”
Inference: Rainsford has just begun to realize that Zaroff hunts humans.
B. Directions: Do you think The Most Dangerous Game” has a serious theme, or message about human nature or behavior? Or is it primarily a suspenseful adventure story intended to entertain readers rather than to make a point? Explain your answer with specific references to details in the story
Literary Analysis: Conflict
Conflict is a struggle between opposing forces. There are two types of conflict: internal and
external.
. In internal conflict, a character struggles with his or her own opposing feelings, beliefs,
needs, or desires.
. In external conflict, a character struggles against an outside force, such as another char
actor. society. or nature.
Conflict and the search for a solution are the mainspring of a story’s plot. The solution,
which usually occurs near the end of a story, is called the resolution. In some stories, the
conflict is not truly resolved. Instead, the main character experiences an epiphany, or sudden flash of insight. Although the conflict is not resolved, the character’s thoughts about it change.
A. The Most Dangerous Game contains a number of conflicts. On the following ones, briefly describe the story situations surrounding each conflict.
1. Rainsford vs. nature
- General Zaroff vs. the visitors” to his island
- Rainsford vs. General Zaroff
4. Rathsford within himself
“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant
Complete the following questions to get you thinking about the concepts that will be a
part of the story we will read in class tomorrow. Be honest. The teacher will see your
responses, but you will not be required to share this information with anyone else. We
will have a time for discussion and sharing, but your participation will be optional as
long as you have done a thorough job on this sheet.
1. About how many times a day do you look at yourself in a mirror? (circle the range that
most accurate describes your behaviors)
0-3 4-7 8-11 12-16 17-22 23-28 29+
2. Why do you look in the mirror? ______
3. When do you look in the mirror?______
4. How important is your physical appearance to you? (circle which applies)
Very important Somewhat important Not that important Not important at all
Defend your response:
5. How important do you think your physical appearance is to others? (circle which
applies)
Very important somewhat important Not that important Not important at all
Defend your response:
6. Do you need material possessions (i.e., a cellphone, or Ipod, or designer clothes,
etc.) to feel good about yourself? Why or why not?
“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant
Vocabulary Builder
Word List
Attributes dejection disheveled profoundly resplendent rueful
A. In each item below, think about the meaning of the italicized word, and then
answer the question in a complete sentence.
1. How would a person with a disheveled appearance look?
- If you were rueful about one of your actions, how would you feel?
- Describe something that might move you profoundly, and tell how you would feel.
- Describe a resplendent scene that would impress you.
- How would a person who is experiencing dejection likely act?
Reading Skill: Ask Questions to Analyze Cause and Effect
“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant
A cause is an event, action, or feeling that produces a result. An effect is the result
produced. As you read, ask questions to analyze cause and effect. Examining these
relationships helps you follow the logic that moves a story forward. As you read, ask yourself:
. What happened?
. Why did it happen?
. What happens as a result?
A single cause may produce several effects. Effects may, in turn, become causes.
: Use the cause-and-effect chart below to keep track of events in the story.
Cause / Effect1. Monsieur Loisel receives an invitation to a
reception at the Ministry. / Madame Loisel complains that she has
nothing to wear.
2
3
4
5
6
“The Necklace” by Guy de Maupassant
Literary Analysis: Character and Characterization
A character is a person. an animal, or even an object who participates in the action and experiences the events of a literary work. Writers communicate what characters are like through characterization. There are two mam types of characterization:
. Direct characterization: The writer tells readers what a character is like.
. Indirect characterization: The writer gives readers clues to a character.
The writer might show the character’s behavior, present the character’s words and thoughts, describe the character’s physical appearance, or reveal what other characters say or think about the character. Often, when a writer uses indirect characterization, it is up to the reader to draw logical conclusions about the character’s personality and motivations.
When she sat down to dinner at her round table with its three-day-old cloth, and watched her husband opposite her lift the lid of the soup tureen and exclaim, delighted: “Ah, a good homemade beef stew! There’s nothing better. . .“ she would visualize elegant dinners with gleaming silver amid tapestried walls peopled by knights and ladies and exotic birds in a fairy forest.
Directions: On the lines provided, briefly explain how each excerpt from the story helps to
characterize one or more of the characters.
1. She suffered constantly, feeling that all the attributes of a gracious life, every luxury,
should rightly have been hers. ______
2. She looked at him, irritated, and said impatiently, “I haven’t a thing to wear. How could I go?”
______
3. “Well, all right, then. I’ll give you four hundred francs. But try to get something really nice.”
______
4. Madame Forestier said in a faintly waspish tone: “You could have brought it back a little
sooner! I might have needed it.” ______
5. Madame Loisel started to tremble. Should she speak to her? Yes, certainly she should. And
now that she had paid everything back, why shouldn’t she tell her the whole story? ______
Choose one of the following activities to complete.
- Write a sequel to “The Necklace”. Tell how Madame Loisel reacts to the discovery that the necklace is paste. How does this discovery affect the lives of Madame Loisel and her husband.
- In groups of three, create a pantomime that tells the entire story of “The Necklace” in no more than three minutes. Remember that pantomimes use only actions and gestures, no words. Rehearse your pantomime and then perform it for the class.
Elements of the Short Story Review
A Small Group Retelling Activity: Cut terms apart and put by sets into zip-lock bags. In small groups, each student should select one or more terms from the bag. Be sure to go over all terms and share responses within the small group. As time permits, share with the entire group.
Note-taking Graphic Organizer
Reviewing Our Understanding of “The Scarlet Ibis”
Directions:
In an effort to review your understanding of The Scarlet Ibis” and prepare for the class discussion to follow, please complete this handout. Use this as a noe-taking guide to help you prepare for class, but also to deepen your understanding of the story as well as the elements of the short story we have been studying.
“The Interlopers” by Saki
Discussion Questions: Please read and consider each question. Answer both questions within one paragraph. Be prepared to share your answers in a class discussion.
1) Do you believe there are situations when it makes sense to hold a grudge against another person? Why or why not?
2) Do you or someone you know have a grudge against another person? If so, why?
“The Interlopers” by Saki
Vocabulary Builder
Word List
acquiesced condolences disputed feud languor precipitous
A. Replace each italicized word or group of words with a word from the Word List.
Rewrite the sentence in the space provided.
1. Pinned beneath the huge beech tree, Ulrich experiences pain and lack of vigor.
2. Ironically, Georg reassures Ulrich that he will send expressions of sympathy.
3. The property in dispute is a narrow strip of sheer, steeply inclined woodland.
4. Georg and Uhich have been in a long-lasting disagreement.
5. The families fought over the land and hunting rights.
6. Neither gave in and tried to settle their disagreement civilly.
Reading Skill: Inference
An inference is a logical assumption that you make based on details in a text. In addition to what the author tells you, you can also use your own prior knowledge and experience to make inferences. As you read, watch movies and plays, and observe the world every day, you gather knowledge and experiences.
When you read something new, look for ways in which the characters and situations resemble ones you have seen before.
Then, apply that knowledge and experience to make inferences.
Use the following chart to record information about the characters listed. Then.
make three inferences about each character based on the details from the story. Some examples
are shown.
He notices that the roebuck are running in / He is keenly observant in an unusual way.
Details About Georg / Inferences I Can Make About Georg
He says he cannot drink wine with an enemy / He is stubborn and proud.
1. Respond: With whom did you sympathize: Ulrich, Georg, neither, or both? Explain your response.
2. Whose family won possession of the disputed land in the lawsuit? Interpret Why does Georg not consider himself a poacher?
3. In what condition does the fallen tree leave each man? Draw Conclusions: Why do the men
finally decide to end their feud?
4. Evaluate: Considering the cause of their predicament, do you think the two men deserved their
fate? Why or why not?
Literary Analysis: Irony
Irony is a contradiction between appearance and reality—it is the difference between what is expected and what actually happens.
In situational irony, something happens in the story that contradicts the expectations of a character or the reader. For example, a runner who trains hard would be expected to do well in a race. It would be ironic if she trained so hard that she overslept and missed the race.
A surprise ending often presents a situational irony. The turn of events may be startling, but the author usually has built clues into the story that make the ending logical, just the same.
Ironies and surprise endings usually help convey the story’s theme, or message. As you read, watch for surprises and think about what each one may mean.
A. For each of the following excerpts from The Interlopers,” write onthe line
provided if the excerpt is ironic. Write N if the excerpt is riot ironic. In the areas following each
item, briefly explain why the excerpt is or is riot ironic.