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In 300 words or less, explore how the external events of the plot affect an internal change within Sanger Rainsford.

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To those unacquainted with Rainsford, the effects of the external events remain an enigma wrapped in a mystery. (18 words)

User Criddell
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Answer and explanation:

Sanger Rainsford is the main character in the short story "The Most Dangerous Game", by Richard Connell.

At the beginning of the story, Rainsford is quite an arrogant hunter, having no empathy for the game (prey) he hunts whatsoever. In a conversation with his friend, Whitney, Rainsford expresses his belief that there are two classes of beings in the world: the hunters, and the huntees. He considers himself lucky to belong to the former instead of the latter. Whitney disagrees. He seems to think the animal being hunted deserves respect and consideration. Even if it is a beast, it can understand fear.

Rainsford's point of view is shared by General Zaroff, whose mysterious island is where Rainsford winds up at after falling from a yatch. Zaroff, very much like Rainsford, is a hunter who thinks of himself as superior to the being he hunts. However, the general does not hunt beasts any longer - he hunts men. General Zaroff knows who Rainsford is and the fame he has. Therefore, he thinks Rainsford will agree to hunt other men with him - he actually believes Rainsford will have a great time while killing others. Very much to his surprise, Rainsford is taken aback by the proposal. He cannot help but empathize with Zaroff's victims. He calls it all a murder and refuses to take part in it. We can see that, at this point, some change has already happened inside Rainsford.

General Zaroff makes Rainsford his new prey. Now more than ever, Rainsford can understand how animals feel when they are being hunted by a being who has advantages in his favor - Zaroff has a gun and dogs, while Rainsford has some food and a knife. Zaroff plays with him, giving up the chance to catch and kill Rainsford more than once to make the hunt more fun. Rainsford, however, is an intelligent man. He remains as calm as possible and finally finds a way to return to Zaroff's mansion. He hides in Zaroff's bedroom and kills the general in a fight.

Rainsford's experience as the huntee changes his previous perspective. His arrogance is gone when he is the game, when fear drives his every step. He now understands what it feels like to be a powerless animal, targeted by a man with a gun.

User Cattani Simone
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