silhouette of a man with one eye open hiding in the jungle

The Most Dangerous Game

by Richard Edward Connell

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Write a description of the significant details of Zaroff's dress, cuisine, furnishings, and lifestyle. How does Rainsford perform in this setting? Explain what both men have in common.

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Zaroff shows his expensive and refined tastes as he sits with Rainsford for their dinner. He drinks very fine wine and liqueur and eats an excellent "Fillet Mignon". He placement settings are decor are magnificent. The suit laid out for Rainsford is made by a tailor who works for no one with a title of "less than a Duke". Rainsford is refined in his tastes enough to appreciate these things and recognize them as being remarkable. The men are both educated and hunters. Zaroff believes that these high class delicacies make him "civilized", but Rainsford sees the quality of being "civilized" laying in one's actions

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Write a description of the details in Zaroff's attire, cuisine, furnishings, & lifestyle in "The Most Dangerous Game."How does Rainsford perform in this setting?

    A Cossack and former general in the Russian Czar's cavalry, Zaroff leads a life of luxury and debauchery at his island mansion in Richard Connell's short story, "The Most Dangerous Game." Despite his intentional seclusion, Zaroff is surrounded by only the finest accoutrements. From the exotic heads that line his walls to the fine clothes on his back, Zaroff lives a life fit for a king. And symbolically, he is the unequivocal ruler of his little paradise.
    Zaroff's clothes are custom made.

Ivan laid out an evening suit, and Rainsford, as he put it on, noticed that it came from a London tailor who ordinarily cut and sewed for none below the rank of duke.

Even his guest's clothes were "pajamas of the softest silk."
    Zaroff's food is spectacular, considering the isolated surroundings.

Half apologetically General Zaroff said, "We do our best to preserve the amenities of civilization here. Please forgive any lapses. We are well off the beaten track, you know. Do you think the champagne has suffered from its long ocean trip?"
    "Not in the least," declared Rainsford.

They further dined on borscht and "a particularly well-cooked filet mignon," followed by port and wine. At lunch the next day, Rainsford enjoyed crepes Suzette and Chablis. He shares his host's imported, perfumed cigarettes housed in a gold case.
    The furniture and decorations of the palatial estate astound Rainsford.

    The dining room to which Ivan conducted him was in many ways remarkable. There was a medieval magnificence about it; it suggested a baronial hall of feudal times with its oaken panels, its high ceiling, its vast refectory tables where twoscore men could sit down to eat. About the hall were mounted heads of many animals--lions, tigers, elephants, moose, bears; larger or more perfect specimens Rainsford had never seen.

As for Zaroff's lifestyle, he lives for the hunt. His island is stocked with wild beasts, and the hazardous waters surrounding it keep him provided with human refugees to serve as a more dangerous game. He rules absolutely, with Ivan as his sole friend and aide, until he meets a man equal to his own stalking skills.

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