Fiction Essay

Liberty University

Climb to Power

Fiction Essay

1. Abstract
2. Introduction

1. Comparison of two fictional Stories

1. The Destroyers
2. The Most Dangerous Game

1. Similarities between characterization and theme

1. Both characters were evil in their own way.
2. Both characters sought power and superiority over others.

1. Characters

1. Trevor from The Destroyers

1. He became leader of the gang within the story.
2. He proposed the destruction of Mr. Thomas’ house.

1. General Zaroff from The Most Dangerous Game

1. He enjoyed the thrill of the chase during a hunt.
2. He hunted humans on his private island.

1. Theme of Power

1. Both Trevor and General Zaroff sought superiority over others which was displayed through their actions against innocent individuals.

1. Trevor did so against Mr. Thomas who had only shown him kindness.

2. General Zaroff did so against Rainsford whom he had just met.

B. Both stories focused on the main characters achieving power over others through evil acts.

        1. Trevor and his gang destroyed the home of Mr. Thomas as well as his belonging and life savings with no provocation.

        2. General Zaroff sent Rainsford into the jungle of his island to run for his life just because he enjoyed the thrill of the chase.

1. Conclusion

1. Both stories had many similarities between the main characters in regards to their goals.
2. Both stories had a similar theme that was depicted through the goals of the two main characters.

Thesis:

Characterization and theme play very important roles when it comes to understanding the meaning behind various types of literature. In both “The Destroyers” by G Greene and “The Most Dangerous Game” by R Connell, the authors write to provide the readers with an understanding of how the main characters think and act along with the reasoning or theme behind why they are that way. By emphasizing the main theme within a story, the reader can follow the impact it has on other characters along with the main character.  

Abstract:

The discussion within the writing below will scrutinize the villains from two short stories. The first short story that will be examined is “The Most Dangerous Game” by author Richard Connell which will be compared to the second short story of “The Destructors” by author Graham Green. By using comparison as well as contrast, the writer will discuss how Trevor and General Zaroff are both very similar characters while still having different dispositions and character traits. Both villains are motivated by their irritation with the monotony of life and their need to feel powerful.

Climb to Power

Many similarities are not immediately obvious between “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell and “The Destructors” by Graham Greene when it comes to the characters of Trevor and General Zaroff as well as the theme of both stories. Both characters come off as very likeable yet both are the villains within their stories. One difference between the characters however is that General Zaroff is viewed as the antagonist within his story and Trevor is viewed as the protagonist. In the end, both stories are formed around a similar theme which is that of power and superiority.

        In looking at Trevor first, he is portrayed as a young man who is a member of gang known as the Wormsley Common. He comes across as very quiet and ominous yet quickly shows his true colors when he takes control of the group and leads them down a very dark path. In looking at the character of General Zaroff, he is portrayed as an older gentleman with white hair that is friendly, generous and kind. General Zaroff enjoys hunting in both the area of the chase and the hunt. General Zaroff quickly shows his true colors as well when he describes how he hunts humans for sport.

Both characters defend their actions despite the evil they are representing. During the destruction of Mr. Thomas’ house, Trevor states “We aren’t thieves” as if to defend his actions of destroying the property since he is not stealing from the man (Greene, 1954). In “The Most Dangerous Game,” General Zaroff assures Rainsford that his word is trustworthy while detailing how he plans to hunt the man and comparing his hunting abilities as a “Gift from God” yet using them for murder (Connell, n.d.). Both characters provide sustenance for their “captors” as Trevor provided Mr. Thomas a blanket and food all while he was destroying his home and General Zaroff provides alcoholic drinks and a bed to rest in before releasing Rainsford into the jungle to run for his life. Trevor was aiding the elderly man by supporting him as he climbed the wall only to lock him in the outhouse while General Zaroff depicted genuine concern for the well being of Rainsford prior to announcing his plan to hunt the man to his death.

        One theme within both stories is quickly depicted as the need for power. Trevor feels the need to have authority and power within the gang and asserts that as soon as he sees his chance. As soon as Trevor has the respect of those in the gang, he coerces them to participate in an evil plan to destroy an innocent man’s home for no reason other than to help Trevor forcibly take power in the community that he feels he has lost due to his father’s recent loss of social ranking.  General Zaroff asserts his superiority and power by hunting humans on his private island which shows no regard for the life of others. The hunting of humans provides General Zaroff the power he desires by holding the life of another in the palm of his hand.