Literary conflicts are often taught during ELA units. Building on prior knowledge to achieve mastery level with our students is important. An excellent way to focus on the various types of literary conflict is through storyboarding. Having students choose an example of each literary conflict and depict it using the storyboard creator is a great way to reinforce your lesson!
In this story, the major conflicts arise from General Zaroff's practice of hunting human beings.
Most of the conflict centers around Zaroff's bet with Rainsford. If Rainsford can survive on his island for three days while being hunted, Zaroff with help him leave Ship Trap Island.
Rainsford must overcome and survive nature several times. Examples: he falls off the boat and must make it ashore, and he must survive in the jungle for three days.
At the beginning of the story, Rainsford expresses an intense admiration for hunting. However, once he becomes the prey, he sees the sport from a different angle, and begins to shift his views.
Zaroff's view of life and hunting have forced him into seclusion on Ship Trap Island. After becoming bored with hunting animals, he began to hunt humans, "the most dangerous game", which is illegal and frowned upon by society.
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that shows at least three forms of literary conflict in “The Most Dangerous Game”.
Help the students in examining different perspectives of the characters present in the story. Teachers can give students some questions beforehand for discussion and then students can discuss those questions from the perspectives of the characters. For instance, questions such as What is the significance of hunting for the characters?
Ask the students to examine different types of conflicts present in the story. Students can focus on both internal and external conflicts for both the characters, for instance, the conflict between Rainsford and Zaroff or the internal conflicts of the characters. Students can even examine the interaction between the main characters for a better understanding.
Consider the underlying motivations of each character. Throughout the narrative, what do they hope to accomplish, steer clear of, or obtain? For instance, while Zaroff is driven primarily by the excitement of hunting, Rainsford is driven mostly by survival.
Discuss the larger ideas or lessons that come through in the interactions and character growth of the characters. For instance, the narrative poses concerns regarding the morality of hunting, the essence of mankind, psychology, and thinking. Students can determine how each character contributes to the theme and how the themes and characters interact for the development of the plot.
Ask the students to write a synopsis of their findings and research. Talk about what they learned about the characters' interactions and how they add to the story's ultimate meaning. Encourage the students to reflect on the overall message of the story and the meaning behind the actions of the characters.
The main source of internal turmoil in "The Most Dangerous Game" is Sanger Rainsford's battle with his own morality and survival instincts. In order to rescue himself, he is compelled to consider murdering Zaroff. Once Rainsford becomes the prey himself his perspective shifts and his internal struggles increase.
The fight between Sanger Rainsford and General Zaroff, both physically and psychologically, is the story's key external conflict. Their dangerous game of hunting and survival on Ship-Trap Island is at the heart of everything.
Ship-Trap Island's remote and hazardous location intensifies the external conflict. It offers a perilous setting where Rainsford must outwit and outsmart opponents with cunning and survival abilities.