Literary Devices
This device provides detailed information about people involved in a story.
What is characterization?
This is the inciting moment that causes Rainsford to fall off the yacht.
Rainsford hears gunshots in the distance, and becomes very excited and curious. His pipe is knocked from his mouth and he reaches to grab for it, losing his balance.
Characterize General Zaroff physically in 3 ways, and his personality in 2. This is the type of characterization readers learn the most about Zaroff through.
*answers will vary* pg. 2, Pt. II
Direct characterization, because of his extensive appearance.
This is the name of the island in the story, along with 3 ways it was described to create suspense.
Ship-Trap Island, *answers vary, see pg. 1 of Pt. I*
He is either trying to impress Rainsford, teach him something or allow Rainsford to learn from him, 'flex' and appear better, or prepare him for his 'instinct and reason' speech. Who even knows, but it makes for good reading.
This is created when two opposing forces meet each other and and problem arises. It can appear in two ways, tangible and abstract.
What is conflict?
This is the hunting philosophy of Rainsford, who differs from that of his fellow traveling hunter, Whitney.
Rainsford sees hunting simply: there are the hunters and the huntees. It is a hobby and sport for him, but he's very good at it, written books and traveled.
This is how readers learn Zaroff is very wealthy and an accomplished hunter.
His dining room in his mansion is massive and full of large animal heads.
This is the definition of 'gothic,' and/or examples of what it looks like or feels like.
Gothicism is darkness, sharp points, eerie or creakiness. Zaroff's mansion had tall towers, a spike iron gate, a gargoyle knocker, and large doors.
Rainsford meets Ivan at the door when he stumbles upon the mansion. Ivan is large, scary, and is pointing a gun at Rainsford's heart, creating this type of conflict.
What is tangible conflict?
Information about a character is stated in a clear and obvious way.
What is direct characterization?
What did Rainsford first discover in the jungle, and what larger, more gothic discovery did he find next?
A small bullet, torn up jungle grass, and blood. Then he finds Zaroff's mansion.
This is a Ukrainian mercenary or 'hitman,' a gun for hire, who is also very skilled on horseback and dangerous. Zaroff and Ivan are both one of these, and it characterizes Zaroff.
What is a Cossack?
Provide a piece of relevant information about General Zaroff's life growing up that ultimately contributed to his view on hunting.
Killed a turkey at 5, killed a bear at 10, fought in the Russian military, hunted all over the world including America. Suffered an injury by a Cape buffalo, also hunted jaguars in the Amazon and wasn't impressed.
Whitney and Rainsford have differing views on hunting, which created a small type of this conflict.
What is an abstract conflict?
This device creates a sense of excitement or uncertainty within readers. It heightens conflicts and gives readers a reason to invest in the story's events.
What is suspense?
Characterize Rainsford directly and indirectly, identifying each trait as direct or indirect.
Answers will vary. Rainsford thinks animals have no feelings or feel fear (D), Rainsford is brave and has a strong will to live (I)
This is the view Zaroff takes on hunting, which differs greatly from that of Rainsford.
Zaroff sees hunting as a God-given talent or right, it's his life's work and purpose for living. It's almost an obsession.
This hunt nearly killed Zaroff, but instead laid him up for 6 months, forcing Zaroff to reconsider his views on hunting. Rainsford thinks its the most dangerous game, but Zaroff is quick to correct him.
What is the Cape buffalo?
Zaroff is described has having "high cheekbones, a sharp cut nose, a spare, dark face--the face of a man used to giving orders, the face of an aristocrat." What type(s) of characterization is being used to describe Zaroff?
Both--direct and indirect.
Information about a character is stated in a way that can be inferred based on body language, tone of voice, how a character interacts with another character, or actions.
What is indirect characterization?
This is the line of reasoning Rainsford worked through in his head that caused him to ultimately swim to the island. Further, this is the type of characterization used.
What is the presence of men? Where there is men, there is food. What is indirect characterization?
Zaroff thinks that animals can only use instinct (a gut feeling, natural, doing before thinking) when it comes to hunting. Reason (problem-solving, thinking before doing) is considerably more dangerous.
Zaroff spent time doing this to Rainsford the night they first met on the island. It is a significant word that alerts readers to a suspicion of Zaroff. It is also an example of foreshadowing.
'Appraising,' to judge or study without being sneaky.
Rainsford finds a very small bullet in the middle of a large patch of torn up jungle brush, along with what looks like blood. This is the type of conflict is Rainsford working through at this moment.
What is abstract conflict?