Home > The Most Dangerous Game Summary & Study Guide > The Most Dangerous Game Group > Discussion Board

Who would u rather meet, Zaroff from "The Most Dangerous Game," or Montresor from "The "Cask of Amontillado?"

If I had my choice I would rather meet Zaroff from "The Most Dangerous Game."  Zaroff is very honest and up front about who he is and what he does.  Also with Zaroff you have a fighting chance to escape with your life.  With Montresor you are at his mercy.  He lies, he cheats and he manipulates the situation to cause harm and there is no way out.  I would much rather deal with an enemy that I know than one who acts like a friend then bricks me into my grave. 

Unless one is extremely skillful as a hunter, he/she has little chance against Zaroff.  However deranged Montesor is, it seems that one would have a chance against him since he did warn Fortunato that he should turn back, be careful, etc.  Besides, the irony of Fortunato's name is not missed when the reader sees the description of the man in a fool's costume. Afterall, Fortunato willingly descends into the catacombs of Montesor whereas Rainsford has no choice in "the hunt."  Added to this, physical prowess has fewer variables than mind games which afford more opportunities for success.

Probably Zaroff. At least with him you know what to expect. He's straightforward about his intentions.

I would go with Montresor because it sounds like he has an excellent wine cellar. I am a big oeniphile and would love to try some of his best stuff. There's no way I would go down to his cellar with him though!

In reply to #1:

I think that I would want to me Montressor from "The Cask of Amontillado."  After reading and teaching that story, I have questions that I've always wanted answers to (and that my students want answers to as well).  For one thing, I want to know exactly what Fortunato could possibly have done to make him so angry as to take that kind of revenge on someone.  I would also want to know where he came up with such an idea.