The geographical layout within Richard Connell’s short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” plays a significant role in shaping the narrative and influencing the characters’ actions. This physical representation details the island setting, Zaroff’s chateau, and the surrounding jungle, crucial for understanding the challenges faced by the protagonist.
The story’s setting contributes significantly to the plot’s tension. The dense jungle provides cover and concealment, offering Rainsford opportunities to evade his pursuer. Furthermore, Zaroff’s meticulously designed hunting grounds, complete with traps and obstacles, create a heightened sense of peril for the hunted, emphasizing the power imbalance and the hunter’s calculated cruelty.