Rainsford wins the 'game' by outsmarting General Zaroff in 'The Most Dangerous Game,' highlighting that intelligence and resourcefulness are crucial for survival and reflecting on the primal instincts of humanity.
In Richard Connell's ”The Most Dangerous Game,” Rainsford emerges as the victor of the deadly hunt by outsmarting General Zaroff. Rainsford's win is not just a function of his physical abilities but also his quick thinking, knowledge of hunting, and survival instincts. He asserts his humanity against Zaroff's amoral view of life through ingenuity, creating intricate traps and ultimately turning the game against the hunter.
This outcome underscores the thematic significance that the will to survive can drive a person to overcome the most perilous situations. The turning point occurs when Rainsford leaps into the sea and Zaroff believes he has won; however, Rainsford's ability to outwit the General by sneaking into his room and waiting for him demonstrates that intelligence and resourcefulness are the ultimate keys to survival.
Connell's story implies that in extreme conditions, the basest instincts of humanity can surface, reflecting the savage side of human nature and the primal drive for self-preservation.