Never to be Known

A little known fact about fiction is that it is split into two separate categories, literary and interpretive. Literary fiction is a work that requires little thought to read and comprehend, includes suspense, thrill and a sympathetic protagonist leading into a satisfactory happy ending. Interpretive fiction, on the other hand, widens, broadens, and sharpens the reader’s view on life, digging deeper into the inquisitive mind, leaving the reader pondering the world and its morals. However, very few pieces fall neatly into these two separate categories, rather they are suspended in-between these two extremes.

The Most Dangerous Game can be seen as both a literary and interpretive work. After deep analysis of the plot, characters, and setting, however leads to the conclusion of the fact that it is an interpretive work, despite the fact that it seems literary at first glance. The plot is one of the most important elements of the story, the main story line. In “The Most Dangerous Game”, the plot twists upon itself, starting out with a deceivingly calm night on the Caribbean and a philosophical discussion of hunting, the hunter and the hunted. “The world is made up of two classes-the hunter and the huntees. Luckily, you and I are the hunters” (Connell, 58) As the story progresses, suspense, and adventure is added into the mix, much like the way it is in literary fiction, keeping the pages turning and the mind wondering. Fascination rises as the hunter becomes the hunted, and the hunted becomes the hunter. Despite fact that it seems like a literary piece of work, it clear by the end that it is an interpretive work. Who would hunt humans for sport? What happened to Rainsford? Did he continue to hunt or no? As the piece closes, these questions remain unanswered leaving them on an open floor for debate.

Strange characters littered that “The Most Dangerous Game.” General Zaroff for one, he was cultured and refined, but he hunted humans for sport going against the unspoken taboo of murder. Rainsford, on the other hand, was the perfect protagonist. Sly and clever, he escaped death time after time, and eventually killed the General. They are prefect characters, for a perfect fairy tale, with a perfect ending, the villain killed and the protagonist there to live happily ever after. Or is that so? The lack of an answering conclusion leads to questions on exactly what Rainsford did after General Zaroff’s death. Never is there a cohesive explanation of how General Zaroff became what he is. These mysteries surrounding the characters forces questions to rise up in the analytical mind, to ponder. And never is the true ending divulged.

Set upon a small island in the Caribbean, the setting of “The Most Dangerous Game” seems surreal, escapist for sure. Who would not want to live on a beautiful island with everything that is desired? Barring of course, there is the bizarre name, Ship-Trap Island. “The island seems the perfect place to relax from stress. Until the usage of the island is uncovered, it seems the flawless vacationing spot. However, is it discovered that it is the grave for the many men who feel under General Zaroff’s gun. How can such beauty be used for such horrific things? Nothing is all that it seems. Unease settles down like a damp blanket over the shoulders. Beauty can hide many horrific terrors, a lesson that is well taught in this piece. What other things does this beautiful island hide? May it never be known, letting beauty cover all that is never revealed.

Well-written literature is always debated, always controversial. Is it right, or is it wrong? Is it escapism of interpretive? This particular piece of literature is no different. Even though at first glance, “The Most Dangerous Game” seems escapist, the plot, characters, and setting begs differ after deep analysis. A child would enjoy the story, rejoicing as Rainsford kills General Zaroff, as the good triumphs over evil. However, adults are left with a dull sense of unease, pondering the ending or the lack of therefore. Who really won? Good or evil? Will Rainsford become like General Zaroff? We never are given an answer.