Characters
This character in The Most Dangerous Game justifies hunting humans by claiming they lack reason, distinguishing them from animals.
Who is General Zaroff?
The precarious journey through this dangerous part of Zaroff’s island sets the stage for Rainsford’s understanding of Zaroff’s cruelty.
What is the jungle?
This feature of Ship-Trap Island from The Most Dangerous Game serves as a way for Zaroff to safely enter and exit his island, emphasizing how Zaroff knows the island better than others.
What is the false channel (the lights under the water)?
This theme in The Most Dangerous Game examines the questions raised by dehumanizing others for sport.
What is the argument of civilization and savagery?
In The Most Dangerous Game, Zaroff cites this as his reason for hunting humans.
What is he needed a challenge?
In The Scarlet Ibis, this is the narrator’s internal conflict about his motivations for helping Doodle walk.
What is his pride or guilt over selfish intentions?
Montresor emphasizes these environmental details to enhance the mood.
What are the dampness, bones, and nitre-covered walls?
Montresor’s family motto, "Nemo me impune lacessit", highlights this key symbolic theme in The Cask of Amontillado
What is no one attacks me and gets away with it?
In The Scarlet Ibis, the narrator’s regret over pushing Doodle too hard reflects this theme about personal responsibility.
What is how much does pride impact responsibility?
In The Cask of Amontillado, Montresor gets Fortunato to go with him with this manipulative tactic, playing on his ego.
What is reverse psychology (or pretending to doubt his wine expertise to trick him into going with him)?
Montresor uses this part of Fortunato’s personality as a key part of his revenge plan in The Cask of Amontillado.
What is his arrogance (or pride in his wine expertise)?
In The Scarlet Ibis, this specific spot serves as both a sanctuary and a place of tension for the brothers.
What is Old Woman Swamp?
The storm at the end of The Scarlet Ibis symbolizes this emotional or thematic idea.
What is impending doom (something bad will happen)?
The Cask of Amontillado explores this theme.
What is premeditation (or the psychology of revenge)?
In The Scarlet Ibis, the narrator’s actions toward Doodle in the storm are ironic because of this contradiction.
What is the love he feels versus the cruelty of his abandonment (he says he loves Doodle but leaves him behind in the storm)?
In The Most Dangerous Game, this character’s death underscores Zaroff’s cold nature and lack of empathy.
Who is Ivan?
In The Most Dangerous Game, this feature of Zaroff’s mansion reflects his refined but sinister nature.
What is its luxurious yet isolated design?
The wine Montresor offers Fortunato in The Cask of Amontillado represents this symbolic lure.
What is false trust or temptation?
Rainsford’s transformation throughout The Most Dangerous Game highlights this theme about the connection between survival and morality.
What is the loss of innocence (or the moral cost of survival)?
In The Most Dangerous Game, this event is the turning point where Rainsford outsmarts Zaroff and moves from hunted to hunter.
What is jumping into the sea to escape Zaroff?
Doodle's original name given to him after he survived infancy.
What is "William Armstrong"?
This is the ultimate symbolic significance of the carnival setting in The Cask of Amontillado.
What is the contrast between revelry (a time of happiness) and impending doom?
The Scarlet Ibis and The Cask of Amontillado explores the use of this kind of narrator that can influence the story because the audience doesn't know exactly what happened.
What is the unreliable narrator?
The narrator's reflection on Doodle’s death emphasizes this theme about the lasting impact of guilt.
What is the burden of guilt (or regret)?
Montresor’s satisfaction at the end of The Cask of Amontillado is undercut by this subtle revelation in his narrative.
What is his lingering guilt or the passage of 50 years without confession?