Rainsford compares himself to a
beast that is not yet sated.
Rainsford did not smile. "I am still a
beast at bay," he said, in a low,
hoarse voice. "Get ready, General
Zaroff.​" (Richard Connell 15)
Rainsford repeatedly tells himself to
not lose his cool.
"Nerve, nerve, nerve!" he panted,
as he dashed along. ​(Richard
Connell 14)
Rainsford uses a ​metaphor​ to demonstrate his final
stand in the hunt between himself and General Zaroff.
This is significant in the story because it allows the hunt
to come full circle and demonstrate that hunt or be
hunted really rings true. It also serves as a lesson to
the General who actually honors his request, of raising
the stakes so that one must die instead of Rainsford
just making it back to the seaport city. This literary
device connected to the theme: Hunters v.s Hunted
because the reader can tell from the start that the two
characters are accomplished hunters and one would
end up being predator and the other prey.
Rainsford uses ​repetition​ to keep his feelings in check.
Constantly throughout the story he tells himself to
control his nerves, or watch his nerves, because he
knows that if he doesn’t think and act logically then his
whole plan will be irrational and his judgement will be
clouded with feelings. This is significant in the story
because he repeatedly uses this tactic as a means of
self control, which actually proves to be effective in the
end. Besting a dog and General Zaroff’s best man is by
no means a failure. This literary device connected to
the theme: Hunters v.s Hunted because the relationship
between Zaroff and Rainsford in this situation is
Rainsford running for his life whilst maintaining
composure.