For a story to be accepted as a classic it must meet certain requirements. For one thing, it must “stand the test of time.” “The Most Dangerous Game” was originally published in 1924 and is still commonly read today for educational and entertainment purposes. A classic must also have a certain “universal appeal,” meaning it touches on some of our most basic emotional responses. In “The Most Dangerous Game” he integrates themes that are easily understandable to all types of readers, themes of competition, fear and moral values. “A classic also creates a connection to the real world.” “The Most Dangerous Game” refers to the war and revolution in Russia between 1914 and 1921 (Smele). General Zaroff comes from a Russian aristocratic family, a Cossack. Ivan is also a Cossack, but he was an official stoner of the Great White Tsar. Finally, a classic must express a certain artistic quality. “The Most Dangerous Game” reflects the truth about human nature and moral values ​​that remained unnoticed until Rainsford's (Lombardi) discovery of the island. These mysteries are brought to light by Rainsford during his stay on this secret ship-trap island. In “The Most Dangerous Game,” Connell uses symbolism to help convey the theme of the story. A symbol is anything that represents something else (Symbols in a story). In the story the Cape buffalo head hanging in General Zaroff's dining room represents General Zaroff's skill as a hunter (Horan). Rainsford states, “The Cape buffalo is the most dangerous of all large game.” Another example of symbolism is the Island itself (Spark Notes Editors). Trap Island symbolizes General Zaroff's desire to hunt prey that is both challenging and intriguing. Since hunting humans for fun is gruesome and uncivilized... half of the paper... it's a game." Shmoop.com. Shmoop University, Inc., November 11, 2008. Web. January 25, 2014. Smele, Jonathan , Dr. “War and Revolution in Russia 1914-1921” BBC British Broadcasting Corporation, March 3, 2011. Web. 2014.SparkNotes Editors. “SparkNotes on the Most Dangerous Game.” SparkNotes LLC, 2007. Web. January 27, 2014.Thompson, Terry W. “Connell's MOST DANGEROUS GAME.” 89. Literary Reference Center. Web. February 3, 2014 ."Using Images to Reflect Theme." Pennsylvania Department of Education, October 14 2010. Web. 3 February 2014. "Writing a Critical Analysis of a Short Story." University of Newfoundland, 28 July 2008. Web. 26 January 2014. Zolyshka, Emily "Richard Connell's Most Dangerous Game StudyMode .com, May 2013. Web. 2014.