Major Questions in the English Literature - Essay Example

The aforementioned internal conflicts are somehow in contrast with how General Zaroff poised himself from the beginning up to the end of the story. He showed no remorse feelings or signs of conscience with what he has been doing. Always the hunter but never the prey, the General’s character is unique of its kind. As a young boy, his selfishness and inhumanness grew day by day as he was able to hone his marksmanship, mercilessly killing all animals that come in harm’s way. By being egotistic (or narcissistic), he never valued life, much less human life. And knowing that he is a gifted hunter, he never showed the importance to anyone; thus everyone and everything within his eyesight is disposable – like his pack of dogs and his loyal servant Ivan. These internal conflicts are put to an end when, with great pride from General Zaroff, he is defeated by Rainsford: “The general made one of his deepest bows. “I see,” he said. “Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford. . . .”

Unlike General Zaroff, Sanger Rainsford shows compassion for hunting. He condones cold-blooded murder and values human life. But because he is a prisoner of General Zaroff, Rainsford became fearful, angry, and indignant. He is fearful for his life, knowing that his existence on the island is ticking day in and out. He is also angry with the hunting style of General Zaroff, as mentioned in the story: “Rainsford did not want to believe what his reason told him was true, but the truth was as evident as the sun that had by now pushed through the morning mists. The general was playing with him! The general was saving him for another day's sport! The Cossack was the cat; he was the mouse. Then it was that Rainsford knew the full meaning of terror.” And because he never knew how it was to become the prey, Rainsford is indignant with the General’s treatment of him – being a mouse trapped on an island of terror. Through his quick wit and vast experience in hunting, Rainsford can resolve these internal conflicts by defeating General Zaroff: “He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided”.

The short story Thank You, M'am by Langston Hughes is set late in the evening, along the dark, dimly-lit streets of an unnamed city. The streets are already quiet, with very few people and automobiles passing by. It seems that the neighborhood has been quite tired from the day’s work. It wants to rest from all the shouting and blowing of horns during its waking hours. And like its setting, the story’s main character, Mrs. Luella Bates Washington Jones, is also tired, almost dragging herself to walk by the streets. She is carrying her purse like she was carrying the cross of Jesus Christ. On the other hand, Roger, the boy who almost snatched her heavy purse, seems to carry the desperate atmosphere of his surroundings. Wanting to buy new blue suede shoes, he did not care who would be his victim so long as he could snatch something in the dead of the night. His act of desperation is somehow worsened by the dark mood of the evening sky and the seemingly obnoxiously quiet city streets.

As a reader, I could not help but feel the pain and tired body of Mrs. Jones. However, her encounter with Roger made me surprised at how she showed the latter kindness despite her wanting to get some dinner and rest from work. Mrs. Jones manages to make the best out of her worst condition while finding time to lecture Roger on how stealing brings no good to any man. The overall mood of the setting is in contrast with the general temperament of the story’s main character. Like Roger, I‘m also initially confused with Mrs. Jones’ act of kindness because of the gloomy setting that was provided at the start of the story. Returning Mrs. Jones’ act of kindness by uttering the words “Thank you” has made a positive outlook on the story’s setting.

In the short story The Most Dangerous Game, Sanger Rainsford did not only deal with the perils associated with the jungle, his ultimate conflict centered on the intelligent hunting game of General Zaroff. It is emphasized in the story: “Rainsford did not want to believe what his reason told him was true, but the truth was as evident as the sun that had by now pushed through the morning mists. The general was playing with him! The general was saving him for another day's sport! The Cossack was the cat; he was the mouse. Then it was that Rainsford knew the full meaning of terror.” Through the years, General Zaroff became utterly bored with hunting. Wanting to match his wits, he bought a secluded island and supplied it with a unique prey: humans. Rainsford became the general’s prize catch. Being a famous hunter, Rainsford has matched his wits, hunting style, and his mind games. In every step he has made, Rainsford knows that the general could easily track him and would not dare to spare his life mercilessly. To further complicate matters, Rainsford is used to being the hunter, and not being the one being hunted. Being the prey, Rainsford has had to find novel ways and means to become unpredictable and untrackable in the eyes of General Zaroff; thus even reminding himself, “I will not lose my nerve. I will not".