The narrative unfolds with a stark contrast between expectation and reality. A seasoned hunter, renowned for his expertise in pursuing animals, becomes the prey in a deadly game. This reversal, where a character experiences the very situation he previously inflicted upon others, exemplifies the unexpected and creates a palpable sense of dread. For example, Rainsford, initially comfortable with the power dynamic between hunter and animal, finds himself in the animal’s position, hunted by Zaroff.
The deployment of this narrative device serves multiple purposes. It heightens the suspense, forcing the reader to question assumptions about power and morality. Furthermore, it allows for a deeper exploration of empathy. Rainsfords experience as the hunted compels him to confront the implications of his previous actions and to understand, perhaps for the first time, the terror of being pursued. In the context of early 20th-century literature, this technique reflected a growing unease with unchecked power and the dehumanization of others.