Situational Irony In The Most Dangerous Game By Richard Cornell

Throughout the historic course of literature, one story known as “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Cornell has incorporated specific types of irony for multiple differing and fundamental reasons. Situational irony is the first use of ironic elements that will be discussed in regards to the story. Situational irony is defined as “an incongruity that appears between the expectations of something to happen, and what actually happens instead ” (literarydevices.net). The story’s climax offers a unique twist to the plot as it includes an unexpected discovery, ultimately incorporating situational irony into the sequence of events. The story starts out with the introduction of the legendary hunter Bob Rainsford as he is shipwrecked and trapped on a deserted island. While staying on the island, Rainsford is introduced to the eccentric General Zaroff, who is a self proclaimed expert hunter as well. In short, the General turns out to be a sadistic psychopath who forces Rainsford into a game of “cat and mouse”, which causes Rainsford to fight for his life. This state of affair is considered to be situational irony because Zaroff defies the expectations of being a hunter to the audience. This is specifically shown in the text when Rainsford confronts General Zaroff in regards to what he is hunting: “I can’t believe you are serious, General Zaroff.

Rainsford boasted about his great skill and wit, and now he is essentially getting a taste of his own medicine. This is a direct example of situational irony as something such as the discovery of General Zaroff being a murderer is completely unexpected to the audience while taking the previous circumstances of the plot into consideration. The purpose of this irony is to keep the audience intrigued and interested in the course of action the story has taken, as well as literally creating a turning point within the