Question

Look at this painting by French artist Henri Rousseau titled The Hungry Lion Throws Itself on the Antelope. Rousseau wrote this caption to accompany the painting: The lion, being hungry, throws itself on the antelope, and devours it. The panther anxiously awaits the moment when it too can claim its share. Birds of prey have each torn a piece of flesh from the top of the poor animal which sheds a tear. The sun sets. Discuss the conflicts in Rousseau’s painting and how they compare to the conflicts in Connell’s short story “The Most Dangerous Game.” In your opinion, which character does the lion represent? Which character does the antelope represent? Who or what might the other animals in the painting represent? Write your response in two or three paragraphs, and use examples and details from the story in your response.

Answer 1

The painting contains both internal and external conflict. External conflict exists between the strong lion and the comparatively weaker antelope. The antelope has no chance to win against the hungry lion. This conflict is similar to the conflict between animals of prey and the hunters Zaroff and Rainsford in “The Most Dangerous Game.” Armed with guns, these hunters enjoy hunting down their relatively defenseless prey. This conflict also exists between Zaroff and the humans he hunts. They stand no chance against him, with his knowledge of hunting and the geography of the island.

In the external conflict between Zaroff and Rainsford, Rainsford can be compared first to the antelope and Zaroff to the powerful lion. Zaroff almost kills Rainsford. However, later, when Rainsford gets back to the chateau to challenge Zaroff, the tables turn. Now Rainsford is more like the lion and Zaroff the antelope.

The panther represents internal conflict. It is hungry and wants the antelope, but it is too scared to approach the prey while the lion is devouring it. The panther seems torn between the need to eat and the need to stay safe from possible physical harm from the lion. In the same way, Rainsford experiences internal conflict. As he is contemplating whether to jump into the sea, he is torn between his need for adventure and his need to stay alive.

The birds of prey are similar to Ivan. They appear to be opportunists who steal a shred of meat from the antelope that the lion has chased down and killed. Ivan is also an opportunist. He satisfies his savage needs by torturing Zaroff’s victims.