Comparative essay on "The Most Dangerous Game" and "Hunters in the Snow" and determine which is literary and which is commercial story.

First you have to determine your working definitions of
literary and commercial.  Generally speaking, most people refer to commercial stories as
those that are marketed to a wide group of people.  These stories will have a
swift-moving plot, suspense, plot twists, and plenty of action.  Literary stories are
consumed by a smaller group of readers who may have a specific interest in the author or
in the technique of the story.  These stories, therefore, focus on technique, style,
diction, syntax, and other figurative elements to tell the story.  The story may be less
plot driven, focus more on character or explore more complex themes and
ideas.

Both of the stories you mention deal with the
archetypal theme of the hunt, or quest, and with the concept of the human will to
survive.  However, they vary in their purpose and appeal to
readers.

"The Most Dangerous Game" clearly has plenty of
suspense, action and conflict.  What seems to be a lucky rescue from a destroyed boat
turns in to a game of survival.  The audience cheers on Rainsford as he ultimately
outwits his worthy stalker.  The characters, however, are not deeply developed, and the
theme does not move beyond the concept of the hunt and the fight for
survival.

"Hunters in the Snow" begins as a three-man
outing for deer.  However, deer are never actually shot; instead one of the three is,
but the journey here is more psychological than physical.  The will to survive is, for
two of the men, more mental. The plot moves much more slowly, focusing on aspects of
character such as infidelity, bullying and the struggle with obesity and
confidence. 

While a variety of readers will enjoy the
thrill of Rainsford's survival, few will actually identify with him.  On the contrary,
many readers will identify with the wider concepts mentioned from "Hunters in the
Snow."