Final answer:
Tensions in 'The Most Dangerous Game' heighten the moral stakes by placing the protagonist in life-or-death situations, challenging his ethics, and forcing him to navigate a complex moral dilemma. The conflict drives the story toward a climax, requiring Rainsford to confront his own beliefs about hunting and survival.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The Most Dangerous Game, tensions contribute to the moral stakes of the story by underscoring the ethical decisions and the struggle for survival faced by the protagonist, Rainsford. The intense conflict he experiences escalates the urgency of his decisions as he realizes that he is not the hunter but the hunted on the isolated island owned by General Zaroff.
Throughout the narrative, the author, Richard Connell, skillfully utilizes tension to keep the reader engaged and invested in the outcome of the story. This moral conflict raises questions about the nature of humanity, the value of life, and the ethics of hunting for sport. Rainsford's perspective on hunting and his own value system are challenged, leading to a climax that forces him to reflect on his previous beliefs and engage in a battle of wits and survival.
Ultimately, the tension and moral dilemma culminate in the story's resolution, revealing the protagonist's transformation and providing a comment on the predatory nature of mankind.