Volu m e II - Purdue University Calumet

Alexis Klosinski
Bethel College
The Diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder in
“The Most Dangerous Game”
Abstract
General Zaroff is a very controversial character in Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game.”
He is a phenomenal hunter with a strong Russian bloodline. Hunting is his life’s passion and has placed him
among the extremely wealthy. His overwhelming skill causes him to grow bored of the sport, however. In
order to surpass this ennui, the general devises a ghastly plot. He waits for sailors to crash on his hidden
island and then throws them into his jungle to hunt them for pure pleasure. This grisly behavior and apathy
towards human life can easily be explained by a psychological condition known as antisocial personality
disorder. By comparing Zaroff to the symptoms associated with this disorder and to the traits of a serial
killer who had this disorder, it can be reasonably concluded that the character can be diagnosed with the
same condition. The symptoms discussed are derived from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders IV-TR. They include nonconformity, arrogance, false charm, manipulation, disregard of other’s
rights and feelings, avoidance of being bullied, superficial rationalizations, acts of violence, and a lack of
empathy. The serial killer traits are compared to that of Ted Bundy. They include charm, deceit,
rationalization, and lack of empathy. With knowledge about the character, the disorder, and a comparison
to a real life example, Zaroff can be diagnosed with antisocial personality disorder.
The Diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder in “The Most Dangerous Game”
Richard Connell’s (1924) “The Most Dangerous Game” is a tale of suspense. It opens with an eerie
1924 setting on the Caribbean Sea as two sailors discuss their future hunt. Rainsford, a skilled hunter, falls
off the ship and heads toward the sound of gunshots. After a long swim, he reaches shore and stumbles
upon a hidden mansion. Rainsford is greeted by Russian aristocrat Zaroff and his burly guard Ivan. A tour
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