Paedeia Discussion Seminar Questions-The Most Dangerous Game

Literary Paedeia Discussion: The Most Dangerous Game
Pre-AP English I

Task: Using only their knowledge of literary elements, and the story The Most Dangerous Game students will assemble in a circle and discuss the following discussion questions. During the discussion, students are expected to respond aloud to all each question and write individual responses on a sheet of paper. DO NOT WRITE RESPONSES ON THIS SHEET OF PAPER. (NOTE: a considerable point deduction will take place if this occurs.) Also, each response (objective or subjective) must be supported with textual information. Page numbers are required. Any response presented without a page number will be disregarded. During the discussion, the instructor will moderate, observe, and chime in occasionally.

Objective: Students should be able to demonstrate their knowledge of literary elements, and their ability to produce objective (factual or provable) responses and subjective (opinionated) responses. They will also be evaluated on their ability to make inferences and identify the main idea of specific passages, as well as their ability to participate in a group discussion.

Standards: ESL 1, 2, 3

Materials: Discussion questions, textbook copy of The Most Dangerous Game notebook paper, and literary discussion aids (i.e. handouts, notes, annotations, etc.), and pen/pencil.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

ICE BREAKER QUESTION: General Zarroff hunts and kills human beings for sport. Do we have the right to condemn his actions? What dictates that right?

1. The Most Dangerous Game tells of a struggle between Sanger Rainsford and General Zaroff. Who are these two men? Through intelligent subjective reasoning, make specific inferences regarding the characters in the story. Discuss their motivations, intentions, and possible faults. Be specific…support with text based information.

2. After addressing question #1, subjectively and objectively discuss what these two men have in common. Why would their struggle be less interesting if Rainsford were a doctor, for example, rather than a hunter?

3. Symbolism is an important literary element for many reasons. In this story it is pervasive. Begin with a discussion of symbolism (don’t forget symbols), and then provide literary and non-literary based examples. Then, explore many of the prevalent symbols found within the story. How does symbolism affect the plot of the story? What are the symbols, but more importantly, what do they represent? Objective and subjective responses must be supported by textually based information.

4. Theme is often defined as the moral lesson that is presented within the plot of the story. It can often have an inspirational or educational value that transcends the page. What is the overall theme of this story? What lesson, if any is taught?

5. Two parts of the story provide foreshadowing, or clues for the struggle that is to come: the discussion on the ship between Rainsford and Whitney; and Rainsford’s observations-what he sees and hears-as he swims to the island and as he walks to Zaroff’s chateau. How do these episodes hint at the coming struggle? Use examples from text to support.

6. Conflict is an essential element in this story. First begin with a discussion of its importance to the story, then provide evidence of the significance of conflict in the story. Remember: include page reference.

7. Point of view is always an important element in prose fiction. What role does point of view play in this story? Could a different point of view have affected the way in which the reader understood the plot? Discuss specific possible alternatives.

8. Main idea is defined as the author’s reason or purpose for writing the literary work. What is Richard Connell’s reason or purpose for writing The Most Dangerous Game You MUST be able to answer this question. This question will produce both objective and subjective responses, so more importantly; you must be able to SUPPORT it with textually based information. You must be able to pull specific passages from the story (with page numbers) to offer as evidence. This is a highly important question…mastery is essential to productive scholarship in this course.

10. Near the end of the story, there is a significant point of view shift. When Rainsford is forced to take a desperate chance and leaps from the cliff into the sea, the author suddenly leaves Rainsford at this point and begins to tell the story through Zaroff’s eyes. What significance does this have on the overall narration?