EssayFrog

The Theme of Survival Depicted in Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game", Wiesel's "Night" and Spiegelmen's "Maus"

A theme in a literary work is the main message in the story. It is what the author is trying to convey to the reader. “The Most Dangerous Game,” by Richard Connell, Night, By Elie Wiesel and Maus by Art Spiegelmen, all have the theme of survival present. The theme of survival basically means that in the story, one or more of the main characters of the tale have to survive an obstacle, be it from other people, objects or nature. In the three stories, “The Most Dangerous Game,” Night, and Maus, the theme survival is present.
In the short story “The Most Dangerous Game,” by Richard Connell, the theme of survival is most evident. In this story, a man named Rainsford lands on an island run by a sadistic man by the name of General Zaroff. General Zaroff enjoys playing “the Most Dangerous Game,” which really only consists of General Zaroff killing humans for the experience and fun of it. In the story, General Zaroff tells Rainsford he is going to be hunted, and gives him a three hours head start and a hunting knife. In one instance, Rainsford must hide in a tree, while General Zaroff is less than a couple steps away. He holds his breath and stays very still, so his hunter will not spot him. It is survival of the fittest, as only the strongest and most knowledgeable will make it out of the forest alive. Survival is the main . . . read more.