General Zaroff
Extended Character Analysis
General Zaroff is the wealthy, hunting-obsessed owner of Ship-Trap island. He identifies himself as a Cossack—a member of a Russian ethnic group that remained loyal to the Russian monarchy and comprised the majority of its military force. He and Ivan fled Russia after “the debacle,” implied to be the 1917 February Revolution, which overthrew the Russian monarchy. General Zaroff and Ivan were both supporters of “the White Czar”—Nicholas II, the last monarch of Russia.
Despite having fled Russia, General Zaroff makes great efforts to maintain his veneer of aristocratic civility, serving borscht for dinner and importing other amenities from his home country. When Rainsford first encounters Zaroff, Zaroff is a charming and gracious host. He presents himself as a dignified, educated, and aristocratic man. However, his outward presentation contrasts with his internal penchant for violence and cruelty. Connell uses this contrast to suggest that the trappings of civilization do little to suppress humanity’s more violent tendencies. Indeed, big-game hunting was a fashionable pastime amongst the upper classes, suggesting that the pervasive trophy hunting culture of the early 20th century may actually promote and normalize violence.
As Zaroff and Rainsford talk over dinner, Zaroff reveals that he believes he was born to be a hunter. Hunting is his passion, and his growing boredom with big-game hunting resulted in his decision to hunt humans. He claims that humans are the only animals capable of reason and therefore make the best game. The challenge posed by hunting another rational creature reinvigorated Zaroff’s love for hunting.
Zaroff possesses a skewed sense of morality that highlights the flaws in Rainsford’s beliefs. Both men believe that hunters are inherently superior to their prey and that there exists a natural hierarchy that places rational, intelligent hunters over instinct-driven animals. However, while Rainsford still maintains a distinction between humans and supposedly inferior animals, Zaroff has come to view himself as the ultimate hunter and all other beings as potential prey. When Rainsford insists that Zaroff is a murderer, Zaroff argues that he is simply a hunter who has graduated to more challenging prey. Having read Rainsford’s book about hunting, Zaroff implies that the only difference between them is age and experience. This implication highlights Rainsford’s hypocrisy: both Rainsford and Zaroff justify violence by dividing the world into arbitrary hierarchies. The only real difference is that Zaroff’s hierarchy classifies other humans as reasonable game.
As Zaroff hunts Rainsford, he showcases considerable tracking skills. Zaroff seems to relish in the hunt, allowing Rainsford to escape on multiple occasions in order to prolong his own enjoyment. However, it is Zaroff’s playful and relaxed approach to the hunt that ultimately becomes his undoing. Whereas Rainsford is fearful and desperate to survive, Zaroff has grown complacent in his belief that he is the best hunter. Zaroff showcases his pleasure at having finally met a worthy opponent when he smiles at Rainsford’s final challenge. Rainsford has proved himself a match for Zaroff, driven as he is to new heights of cunning and savagery by primal fear.
Expert Q&A
What is ironic about General Zaroff's character?
The irony in General Zaroff's character lies in his civilized appearance and refined manners, which contrast sharply with his savage behavior of hunting humans for sport. Despite presenting himself as a cultured gentleman, Zaroff is a murderer. His arrogance leads to his downfall when Rainsford, his intended prey, outsmarts him. Ultimately, Zaroff becomes a victim of his own game, illustrating the situational irony of his character's fate.
How does General Zaroff already know Rainsford upon his arrival on the island?
General Zaroff recognizes Rainsford because he is an avid reader of hunting literature and has read Rainsford's book on hunting snow leopards in Tibet. Zaroff, a passionate hunter himself, is familiar with Rainsford's reputation as a renowned big game hunter. This knowledge excites Zaroff, leading him to propose a hunt with Rainsford, though ultimately he chooses to hunt Rainsford, considering him intriguing prey due to his hunting expertise.
In "The Most Dangerous Game," is General Zaroff racist?
General Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game" exhibits both racist and classist attitudes. He considers people of other races and lower social classes as inferior and suitable for hunting, reflecting his belief in his own superiority. Zaroff's disdain for sailors, whom he refers to as "scum of the earth," underscores his racial and social prejudices. Despite his indiscriminate killing, his language and actions reveal deep-seated racism and classism.
Why did General Zaroff leave Rainsford in the tree during the first part of the hunt?
General Zaroff left Rainsford in the tree during the first part of the hunt because he wanted to prolong the hunt for his own amusement. Zaroff, who had become bored with hunting animals, found excitement in the challenge of hunting humans. By allowing Rainsford to continue, Zaroff extended the thrill of the "game" and anticipated further clever maneuvers from Rainsford.
What two examples show General Zaroff cheats to win his game?
General Zaroff cheats by setting deceptive lights to mislead ships into thinking there is a safe channel, causing shipwrecks and providing him with human prey. Additionally, during the hunt, he violates the implicit rules by not killing Rainsford when he has the chance, prolonging the game for his amusement. These actions demonstrate Zaroff's manipulation and trickery to maintain control and ensure his advantage in the hunt.
What does General Zaroff's singing a tune from Madame Butterfly signify after Rainsford jumps off the cliff?
General Zaroff's singing a tune from Madame Butterfly after Rainsford jumps off the cliff signifies his cultured, elitist persona, contrasting with his barbaric actions. The opera's themes of hope turned to tragedy parallel Zaroff's hope that the cliff will be Rainsford's end. This allusion highlights Zaroff's hypocrisy, as he considers himself refined while engaging in the uncivilized act of hunting humans.
How is General Zaroff's character in "The Most Dangerous Game" believable?
General Zaroff is believable due to his complex character traits, combining sadism with the refined manners of an aristocrat. In "The Most Dangerous Game," his polite and cultured demeanor contrasts with his cruel nature, making him a three-dimensional character. This duality reflects the possibility of wicked individuals possessing charm and intelligence. Zaroff's lack of empathy and moral sense, possibly making him a sociopath, further enhances his credibility as a character.
How does General Zaroff protect himself from Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game"?
Why does General Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game" increase the conflict in his hunts?
General Zaroff increases the conflict in his hunts because he seeks greater thrills and challenges. After becoming bored with hunting animals and even humans, who lacked cunning, he is excited to hunt Rainsford, a skilled hunter and a worthy opponent. Zaroff prolongs the hunt to savor the thrill, but this reveals a flaw: by giving his prey a chance, he ultimately enables Rainsford to defeat him, leading to Zaroff's downfall.
What is General Zaroff's attitude towards his contest with Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game"?
General Zaroff views his contest with Rainsford as an exhilarating challenge. Bored with hunting animals and "inferior" humans, Zaroff is thrilled to face Rainsford, a renowned hunter. He sees the hunt as a match of wits and skills, akin to "outdoor chess," and is eager to test Rainsford's abilities against his own. Zaroff sets the terms confidently, showing his enthusiasm for a worthy adversary in this deadly game.
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