PG #224: The Most Dangerous Game

First off, I think a particular part of this story that really says more than it actually says is the title. The Most Dangerous Game.I have always thought that the meaning of "game" in the title could go beyond the double meaning to maybe include a third?  At first, Rainsford clearly 

states that he thinks hunting is the greatest game in all the world.  But once he becomes the hunted, he sees that this is not a "game" at all.  That word just has such a light definition, it doesnt really capture the violence and terror in the hunt.  It is not until Rainsford becomes the hunted that he sees this and realizes that the "game" is really a fight for survival. 

As far as symbols go, there are a few that I have considered to be significant.

1. Darkness- it gives off the scary feelings. Like boats passing by for instance, they look at the island as "scary" because it is surrounded by darkness.

2. Red- The story hints several times that the color red has much significance to death and violence. At the beginning of the story when Rainsford falls off the boat he falls into the 'blood warm waters' which could mean potential danger. Then, when he actually gets to the island he sees weeds 'stained crimson (red)'. Throughout the story he also makes references about Zaroff's 'red-lipped' smile. Rainsford becomes more and more aware of the color red as he realizes Zaroff's 'bloody' game. In addition to that, Ivan wears a crimson colored sash and even the soup that Zaroff feeds Rainsford is red. So, as you can see, there are a ton of references toward the color red that hint danger.

3. the Jungle- We all know the jungles are chaos and full of wild animals and plants. In this story, the symbol of the jungle refers to what is happening within the island. It could also be seen as Rainsford being restricted and losing control because when he reaches the island, he is now playing Zaroff's game and under his control.