The Most Dangerous Game

In The Most Dangerous Game Richard Connell applies many different literary techniques to enhance his writing. Even from the first few lines it is clear what an outstanding author Connell is and this continues on for the rest of the work. Even though this tale is nearly 90 years old it remains an outstanding story. The writer utilizes foreshadowing and alliteration to create suspense.   

The most apparent literary technique employed be the author throughout the story is foreshadowing. In the very beginning of the story its clear that the island is a dark place  when Whitney comments “Sailors have a curious dread of the place.” (15). Later on when Rainsford is having dinner and finds the General an “affable host” (17) except for how he would always be staring at Rainsford whenever he looked up. Both of these examples later prove to have major significances when Rainsford is being hunted. 

Another technique used that is less apparent but has equally stirring effect on the reader is alliteration. “‘I must keep my nerve,’ he said through tight teeth.” (21) Is an excellent example of how Connell uses certain techniques to stir emotion in the reader. In one of the most climatic scenes of the story the author uses alliteration to make the read far more entertaining with “Desperately he struck out with strong strokes”. Throughout this short story alliteration is used to make the read very enthralling. 

Connell shows absolute writing prowess in every part of The Most Dangerous Game. In fact, he uses nearly every single literary technique in this simple yet captivating short story. However, the techniques that he truly harnesses are foreshadowing and alliteration. Overall this is an excellent example of many different literary techniques.