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Allusions
Definition of Dramatic Irony
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given situation, and that of the... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a character's understanding of a given... read full definition
Dramatic irony is a plot device often used in theater, literature, film, and television to highlight the difference between a... read full definition
Key Examples in The Most Dangerous Game
Dramatic Irony
Explanation and Analysis—Madame Butterfly:
When General Zaroff comes upon the site of Rainsford’s escape (and presumed death) just off he edge of the island, the story makes an allusion as Zaroff hums an excerpt from the opera Madame Butterfly:
For some minutes he stood regarding the blue-green expanse of water. He shrugged his shoulders. Then he sat down, took a drink of brandy from a silver flask, lit a cigarette, and hummed a bit from Madame Butterfly.
Related Themes:
Explanation and Analysis—Rainsford's Return:
In the closing moments of "The Most Dangerous Game," Rainsford throws himself into the sea rather than be caught by Zaroff on the hunt. While Zaroff suspects Rainsford to be dead and expresses some annoyance at his "quarry" thus evading him, the reader knows what Zaroff does not: Rainsford, per the opening sequence of the tale, is an excellent swimmer. Thus, as the story draws to a close and the narrative slows to a description of Zaroff's bedtime routine, it is only the reader who can suspect Rainsford's return:
Unlock with LitCharts A+There was a little moonlight, so, before turning on his light, he went to the window and looked down at the courtyard. He could see the great hounds, and he called, "Better luck another time," to them. then he switched on the light. A man, who had been hiding in the curtains of the bed, was standing there.
