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The Most Dangerous Game

by Richard Edward Connell

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Rainsford and Zaroff: Power Struggle and Conflict Resolution in "The Most Dangerous Game"

Summary:

In Richard Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game," the power struggle between Rainsford and Zaroff is central. Zaroff, intrigued by Rainsford's hunting prowess, ultimately decides to hunt him, creating a suspenseful conflict. Initially, Rainsford is impressed by Zaroff's appearance and intellect but soon realizes Zaroff is a maniacal murderer who hunts humans for sport. While both are skilled hunters, they are not equal; Zaroff has advantages like weapons and knowledge of the island, whereas Rainsford relies on his wits and survival skills. The story highlights the moral and strategic differences between the two, culminating in Rainsford's triumph as the underdog.

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Describe the moment General Zaroff decides to hunt Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game."

The point at which Zaroff decides to make Rainsford his quarry is kept deliberately uncertain, as it is a major factor in creating suspense in the middle of the story. It is perfectly possible that he intends to hunt Rainsford as soon as he becomes aware of his presence on the island. After all, this is what he normally does when people are trapped there. However, he may change his mind when he learns Rainsford's identity. Zaroff greets Rainsford as a "celebrated hunter" and says that he has read Rainsford's book on hunting snow leopards in Tibet. It may be that he originally intends to hunt the new arrival, as usual, then changes his mind when he realizes that he had the opportunity of hunting with such a distinguished exponent of the art. He therefore uses his conversations with Rainsford to discover whether the great hunter would have any interest in joining him.

The last possible point at which Zaroff can have decided to hunt Rainsford is when he utters the following two sentences:

The choice rests entirely with you. But may I not venture to suggest that you will find my idea of sport more diverting than Ivan's?

As he has already said that if the quarry refuses to be hunted, he hands them over to Ivan for torture, the implications of this are very clear. Zaroff may have been forced to abandon the idea of hunting alongside Rainsford when he realized that Rainsford was unwilling. Alternatively, he may have decided, on reflection, that it would be more amusing to make the great hunter his quarry, or he may always have intended to hunt Rainsford.

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What is Rainsford's impression of Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Sanger Rainsford's first impression of General Zaroff is one that is positive because he finds the man "singularly handsome."

Having fallen from the yacht and swum to the shore of an island the previous evening, Rainsford collapses in sleep. When he awakens the next day, Rainsford feels reinvigorated; as a result, he heads toward the area from where he has heard the pistol shots. Shortly thereafter, Rainsford sees the print of hunting boots, so he follows the path taken by the owner of these boots. Finally, he can make out the "shadowy outlines of a palatial chateau set on a high bluff." Rainsford reaches the door and lifts the heavy knocker only to be confronted by a "gigantic creature, solidly made and black bearded to the waist." This giant is Ivan, who is deaf and dumb.

Just then, the owner of the chateau descends the stairs behind Ivan. At first, he seems singularly handsome to Rainsford. However, upon second glance, Rainsford notices an original, "almost bizarre quality about the general's face." A tall man, he is past middle age and has white hair; in contrast, his eyebrows and pointed military mustache are as black as night. With his high cheekbones and sharp nose, Rainsford finds General Zaroff's face to be that of an aristocrat "who is accustomed to giving orders."

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What is Rainsford's impression of Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

During Sanger Rainsford's first meal with General Zaroff, the general elaborates on how hunting ceased to excite or interest him anymore, which motivated him to find a new animal to hunt. Initially, Rainsford believes that Zaroff has stalked his small island with tigers but the general proceeds to explain that his quarry must possess the ability to reason. Rainsford is stunned and appalled by Zaroff's comment and suddenly realizes that the general is talking about hunting humans. Rainsford then mentions that Zaroff must be playing a "grisly joke," only to discover that Zaroff is completely serious and actually hunts humans. Rainsford goes on to say, "Hunting? Great Guns, General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder" (Connell, 8). Overall, Rainsford suddenly understands that General Zaroff is a maniacal murderer, who hunts defenseless humans on his island for sport. Unfortunately, Rainsford becomes the general's next quarry and must use his wits to survive the most dangerous game.

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In "The Most Dangerous Game," are Rainsford and Zaroff equal?

Whether they are equal or not depends on your definition of equal. Zarroff definitely had the upper hand, because be basically had Rainsford prisoner. He is also the one who was hunting, even though Rainsford became the hunter at the end, he did so only because Zarroff let his guard down.
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In "The Most Dangerous Game," are Rainsford and Zaroff equal?

In "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell, the characters of Zaroff and Rainsford are not equal. Rainsford has a disadvantage as he realizes quite clearly that he could lose the game and what the consequences of losing would mean. Zaroff, however, has a warped sense of his own invincibility, and that is his downfall.

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In "The Most Dangerous Game," are Rainsford and Zaroff equal?

In terms of the "game"  that is played on the island, Zaroff has many advantages over Rainsford.  He has dogs, he has Ivan, he is armed.  Rainsford has only his wits and a knife.  So, the game does not begin as one between two equals.  Zaroff is clearly in a superior position.

In terms of skill, Rainsford has a slight advantage.  He knows the different traps to set, and his traps do damage.  Zaroff is a very good hunter, but because he has not met someone of Rainsford's skill and ability, he has not developed his skills.  Sailors, he admits, are very easy to hunt because they are unfamiliar with land.

What makes this story so appealing is that the underdog wins.  It's a David and Goliath story, and it works.

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In "The Most Dangerous Game," are Rainsford and Zaroff equal?

That really depends upon what standards, or from whose point of view, you define "equality". 

 Zaroff would be able to argue that they are equal.  Zaroff and Rainsford are both human and have courage, cunning, and ability to reason, the three things f says make humans the best to hunt.  They both have immense experience as hunters, as well.

On the other hand, there are several factors that show them unequal.  Zaroff has dogs and weapons to hunt with, Rainsford only a knife.  Zaroff has his servant Ivan to help in the hunt, Rainsford has only his cunning, experience, and intellect.  Zaroff has intimate knowledge of the island and its many hiding places, Rainsford does not.  Zaroff has the advantage of a comfortable bed, good food, and a good night's sleep; Rainsford obviously does not.

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In "The Most Dangerous Game," are Rainsford and Zaroff equal?

The two men share a similar love for hunting, but Rainsford is a moral man, while Zaroff has a violent, criminal hobby, hunting human beings.  

"Zaroff is distinguished by a "cultivated voice," fine clothes, the "singularly handsome" features of an aristocrat—and an obsession for hunting human beings."  

"While Rainsford shares both an interest in hunting and a refined nature with Zaroff, he believes Zaroff's sport to be brutal and Zaroff himself to be a murderer."

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When does Rainsford realize he's General Zaroff's next prey in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Rainsford is supposed to be a man of the world, a great adventurer, a fearless hunter, and so forth. And yet he looks like an idiot when he allows himself to fall off a yacht in what is known to be a shark-infested ocean. Evidently the author Richard Edward Connell couldn't think of a better way to have his hero end up on an island where a madman hunts human beings for sport. Rainsford smokes a pipe because stalwart heroes in adventure yarns always smoked pipes in those days. Maybe a pipe makes a man looks wise, and the author must have wanted Rainsford to be smart as well as courageous. But why should he drop his pipe in the first place? And why should he be fool enough to fall overboard while trying to catch it? In The Island of Dr. Moreau by H. G. Wells, the viewpoint narrator Edward Prendick lands on Dr. Moreau's island because he was shipwrecked. That is far more plausible.

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When does Rainsford realize he's General Zaroff's next prey in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

When he attempts to catch his pipe as it falls from his mouth, Sanger Rainsford loses his balance and falls in the Caribbean Sea.  Rainsford's plunge overboard, which occurs on a pitch black night, goes unnoticed by others on the yacht, so he is forced to attempt to swim to the only land nearby, Ship-Trap Island.

Although Rainsford nearly drowns in the process, he does manage to swim to the island.  Rainsford knows that there are other people on the island, because he heard gunshots coming from that location shortly before he fell into the sea.  Rainsford follows the shoreline of the island, comes across footprints, and continues in the direction in which the boot tracks point.

After some time, Rainsford comes to

...one enormous building--a lofty structure with pointy towers plunging upward into the gloom.  His eyes made out the shadowy outlines of a palatial chateau; it was set on a high bluff, and on three sides of it cliffs dived down to where the sea licked greedy lips in the shadows.

Rainsford knocks on the door, which is answered by a huge, bearded man.  Behind that man, an "erect, slender man in evening clothes" comes down a set of stairs and introduces himself as General Zaroff.  Zaroff is a strange-looking man whose

...hair was a vivid white; but his eyebrows and pointed military moustache were as black as the night from which Rainsford had come.  His eyes, too, were black and very bright.  He had high cheek bones, a sharp-cut nose, a spare, dark face, the face of a man used to giving orders, the face of an aristocrat.

Zaroff has read a book written by Rainsford and recognizes him.

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How does "The Most Dangerous Game" setting influence Rainsford and Zaroff's conflict and the story's conclusion?

It is well worth looking at how the story itself describes the dangerous setting of this excellent short story of suspense. Consider what General Zaroff says to Rainsford:

"This island is called Ship-Trap... [The lights] indicate a channel.. where there's none; giant rocks with razor edges crouch like a sea monster with wide-open jaws. They can crush a ship as easily as I crush this nut."

Notice how the island is described - it is full of danger and a simile is used to compare the island to a massive monster with giant, dangerous teeth. This clearly shows the danger that there is the island, but of course this is a danger that is not merely restricted to its natural characteristics, but the deadly "game" that Zaroff and Rainsford will play on it. It is a brutal place, with no softness, where every move could be your last and danger is always around the corner.

Thus the setting clearly establishes the kind of arena where the "game" will be played, foreshadowing the danger and violence.

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How does "The Most Dangerous Game" setting influence Rainsford and Zaroff's conflict and the story's conclusion?

"The Most Dangerous Game" is a short story which relies heavily on setting to demonstrate both the theme and the conflict.  The classic struggle between men, fighting for one's life, is an unmistakable element in this story.  I think of the setting here in terms of if.  What if this were not an island in the middle of nowhere--how would the story have changed?  What if this were not a forested island but a barren rock or a desert plain--how would the story have changed?  What if it were not a deserted island--how would the story have changed?This is your essay and it should your reflect your thoughts, but answering those questions should get you started. 

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How does "The Most Dangerous Game" setting influence Rainsford and Zaroff's conflict and the story's conclusion?

First of all, Rainsford has nowhere else to go after falling off his yacht and swimming ashore on the mysterious Ship-Trap Island. Although his travelling companions may be counted upon to search for him, Rainsford must realize that it may be days or weeks before he is rescued. The isolated locale of the island precludes any outside interference, so Rainsford knows he is on his own. Zaroff knows every inch of his island, and he gives Rainsford just enough information about the dangers there to keep his "guest" on his toes. Rainsford decides that he has a better chance of eluding Zaroff with the rocks below; and in the end, when Rainsford confronts the surprised Russian in his bedroom, Rainsford also realizes that Zaroff will have no one to save him when he continues the illicit hunt.

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How does "The Most Dangerous Game" setting influence Rainsford and Zaroff's conflict and the story's conclusion?

Richard Connell's story "The Most Dangerous Game" is set on a remote island that is part General Zaroff's luxurious compound and part jungle, a setting perfect for Zaroff's newest game: hunting humans.

Zaroff has tired of hunting animals. They simply don't offer him enough of a challenge, so he decides to hunt humans instead. The General usually obtains his prey by misguiding ships into the dangerous rocks around the island. Then he keeps his prey in his compound until he lets them loose into the jungle to get a thrill out of hunting them down. It's a game for Zaroff. If he wins, the prey dies. If the prey manages to win, he can go free. Zaroff always wins, for there is really no escape off the island.

When Rainsford ends up on Zaroff's island, he becomes the General's next prey. When the game begins, Rainsford thinks that the jungle island will be his worst enemy, so to speak, but it ends up a benefit to him. He uses his ingenuity and the jungle to escape from Zaroff and Ivan and even kill Ivan and defeat the pack of hounds. Then, Rainsford takes to the water and swims out to sea. Zaroff thinks he has escaped, but Rainsford actually swims around the island and reenters the compound. Rainsford then confronts Zaroff and wins the game once and for all. He has made the jungle island setting work for him.

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What conclusion supports the conflicts experienced by Rainsford and Zaroff in 'The Most Dangerous Game'?

While Rainsford is "a beast at bay," that is, while he is hunted as though a wild animal, he has some close encounters with death. In one incident the general trails Rainsford to the tree, but turns and leaves as Rainsford realizes

The general was saving him for another day's sport!  The Cossack was the cat; he was the mouse.  Then it was that Rainsfor knew the full meaning of error.

Sliding down from the tree, Rainsford creates a malay man-catcher, which the general deftly dodges, but not before complimenting him.  Nursing an injured shoulder, Zaroff leaves agains.  Rainsfor "took up his flight again...a desperate, hopeless flight."  After making a pit, he crouches behind the stump of a tree felled by lightning.  Zaroff again approaches quickly; Rainsford nervously listens,

Rainsford, crouching there, could not see the general, nor could he see the pit.  He lived a year in a minute.  Then he felt an impulse to cry aloud with joy, for he heard the sharp crackle of the breaking branches as the cover of the pit gave way....

Nervously, Rainsford waits for the approach of Zaroff.  In that minute he wonders if Zaroff will see the trap, fall into it, or discover him.  It is a moment between life and death and feels like an eternity while Rainsford anxiously awaits fate.

In that minute, too, the inner conflict that Rainsford has with hunting men is resolved.  He wants to live; in order to live, he must kill General Zaroff.  The most dangerous game must be played and ethics are laid aside. All conflicts are resolved after Rainsford's inner turmoil.  He escapes to the sea and returns to kill Zaroff, alone in his bedroom; Rainsford decides, "He ha never slept in a better bed."

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What realization does Rainsford make about General Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Rainsford realizes that General Zaroff is toying with him, and he enjoys the hunt and wants to prolong it.

When Rainsford realizes General Zaroff hunts humans instead of animals, he is horrified.  He is even more disturbed when he figures out that Zaroff intends to hunt him.

Thank you, I'm a hunter, not a murderer."

"Dear me," said the general, quite unruffled, "again that unpleasant word. But I think I can show you that your scruples are quite ill founded."

Zaroff is convinced that he is doing right, or at least that he can do as he pleases.  When he forces Rainsford to be his prey, Zaroff demonstrates that he is a cruel man indeed.

The worst realization comes to Rainsford after he sees General Zaroff smile and turn away while hunting him.  This is when it comes to him that the general is toying with him, and trying to prolong the hunt.

The general was playing with him! The general was saving him for another day's sport! The Cossack was the cat; he was the mouse. Then it was that Rainsford knew the full meaning of terror.

After this, Rainsford realizes he is in over his head, and he is determined not to give up.  He uses every trick in the book, including the Burmese tiger pit and the Malay mancatcher.  Each time, he is unsuccessful and the general is pleased at his cunning.

Rainsford wins by throwing out the rules and using all of his cunning.  He manages to not only escape, but also find his way directly into the general’s room—where he wins the game on its own terms.

The slow characterization of General Zaroff allows the reader to come to terms with the gravity of what is going on in the story.  Long before The Hunger Games, this story was shocking people with its portrayal of flippant immorality.

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How is the conflict between Rainsford and Zaroff resolved in The Most Dangerous Game?

In short, the conflict between Rainsford and Zaroff is finally resolved when one wins the "game."  Let me unpack this sentence. 

First, we need to realize that Zaroff has created a "game."  Zaroff is no longer satisfied with hunting animals; they are too easy.  Instead, what he wants is an animal that can think.  For him, this means that he wants to hunt humans.  When Rainsford washes up on his island, Zaroff is excited to hunt someone who is a famed hunter. 

Second, since the game that Zaroff created is one of life and death, the game and conflict is only resolved when Rainsford goes on the offense and attacks Zaroff.  In the last scene of the story Rainsford meets Zaroff in his house and presumably kills him. 

Here is how the story ends:

The general made one of his deepest bows. "I see," he said. "Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford."...

He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.

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How did Zaroff's treatment of Rainsford change in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Zaroff treats Rainsford as his guest at the start of the story. He presents himself as a gentleman. Zaroff's first remark to Rainsford shows his kind reception:

In a cultivated voice marked by a slight accent that gave it added precision and deliberateness, he said, "It is a very great pleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Sanger Rainsford, the celebrated hunter, to my home."

His kindness continues through much of the dinner the men share together. Zaroff politely offers warm, dry clothing to Rainsford, and he says that he will wait for him so that they can eat dinner together. He explains:

I was about to have my dinner when you came. I'll wait for you. You'll find that my clothes will fit you, I think.

He hopes to present Rainsford with a delicious dinner. Zaroff is concerned that every detail demonstrates that he is a good-mannered gentleman:

We do our best to preserve the amenities of civilization here. Please forgive any lapses . . . Do you think the champagne has suffered from its long ocean trip?

After eating, Zaroff continues to show generosity to Rainsford, offering him cigarettes:

The general took from his pocket a gold cigarette case and offered his guest a long black cigarette with a silver tip; it was perfumed and gave off a smell like incense.

Even after Rainsford discovers the expectations of Zaroff's dark game, Zaroff continues to behave as a gentleman:

The general laughed with entire good nature.

As they continue to talk about Zaroff's game, Zaroff's servant brings Rainsford coffee.

He raised his hand, and Ivan, who served as waiter, brought thick Turkish coffee.

Additionally, Zaroff argues his civility by saying that his opponents are not forced to participate:

I give him his option, of course. He need not play that game if he doesn't wish to. If he does not wish to hunt, I turn him over to Ivan . . . Invariably, Mr. Rainsford, invariably they choose the hunt.

With Rainsford, a renowned and experienced hunter, Zaroff agrees that Rainsford must only survive three days of the game to win:

I'll cheerfully acknowledge myself defeated if I do not find you by midnight of the third day . . . Oh, you can trust me . . . I will give you my word as a gentleman and a sportsman.

Even as the men play their game, the general speaks as though he is a respectable gentleman to Rainsford:

"Rainsford," called the general, "if you are within sound of my voice, as I suppose you are, let me congratulate you. Not many men know how to make a Malay mancatcher."

Here, Zaroff applauds Rainsford's talents at evading danger. Later, when Rainsford again avoids Zaroff, he once more compliments Rainsford's skills:

"You've done well, Rainsford," the voice of the general called.

Throughout the story, General Zaroff acts as a gentleman, using polite language and offering hospitality to Rainsford. However, his manners are surprising to readers since Zaroff is also requiring Rainsford, as well as many other innocent people, to play his wretched, and extremely dangerous, game.

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How did Zaroff's treatment of Rainsford change in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

I don't believe Zaroff in any way changes his treatment of Rainsford during the story. Although Zaroff graciously wines and dines Rainsford before revealing his true intentions, Zaroff continues to treat Rainsford honorably, adhering to his own rules of the game without breaking them. Zaroff promises that Rainsford can have his freedom if Rainsford eludes him during the time that is established, and Zaroff keeps his word. When Zaroff returns to his home, he knows that he has lost the game, and there is no inclination that he will look for Rainsford further. Later, when they meet again, he tells Rainsford that "You have won the game." When Rainsford announces that a new game will begin, Zaroff accepts the terms.

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How did Zaroff's treatment of Rainsford change in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

The surprising ending to the story provides a reversal of fortunes for both Rainsford and Zaroff. When Rainsford survives the plunge from the cliff and then shows up in Zaroff's bedroom, the general graciously concedes the contest.

"I congratulate you," he said. "You have won the game."

Zaroff would probably have honored the terms of the hunt and provided Rainsford with safe passage off the island. But the past three days as the hunted prey of Zardoff has hardened Rainsford, and he wants revenge. The old hunt will continue, Rainsford warns the Cossack. "I am still a beast at bay." Zaroff understands and he seems happy with the prospect of another human hunt--even if he is to now be the prey. 

"Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford..."

The final line of the short story provides the answers to your questions.

He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.

Rainsford is the only survivor: He has won the hunt, apparently killing Zaroff and possibly even feeding him to the dogs. Rainsford, who considers Zaroff a murderer, sleeps the sleep of the dead. He has won the hunt, but unlike Zaroff, Rainsford will probably be satisfied with his trophy--Zaroff, a murderer who has tried to kill him--and not grow to love it like Zaroff.

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In "The Most Dangerous Game," what does Rainsford learn from General Zaroff about hunting?

Rainsford is already a pro, but Zaroff teaches him that it is only by using his wits that he will ever manage to escape. Zaroff's insistence on this difference between man and other big game animals makes Rainsford rely primarily on his intelligence during the hunt when his own life is at stake:

"The ideal quarry must have courage, cunning, and, above all, it must be able to reason." 

Since there is no place to run, Rainsford has to find a definitive solution on the island itself. First, he constructs traps, getting rid of the henchman Ivan and one of the dogs; then he profits from the dogs' absence to double back to Zaroff's castle to ambush him when he returns. By strategy he is able to turn the tables and take the offensive role of the "game."

Another lesson Rainsford learns from Zaroff is that there is no place for mercy in the law of the jungle. He catches Zaroff off guard and unarmed and finishes him off without a moment's hesitation. Rainsford loses no sleep over such 'good riddance.' In fact, he can't remember the last time he has slept so well...

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How does "The Most Dangerous Game" suggest Rainsford and Zaroff will fight to the death?

Toward the end of Richard Connell's short story "The Most Dangerous Game," the protagonist Sanger Rainsford leaps from a cliff across from General Zaroff's chateau in order to avoid certain death at the hands of the general and his pack of dogs. The reader is initially unsure of Rainsford's fate. The general obviously believes him to be dead because he returns to the chateau, has dinner and goes to his bedroom. Rainsford, who has survived the swim across the cove, reveals himself to Zaroff after hiding behind the curtains. The general is shocked but quickly congratulates Rainsford, telling him that he has "won the game." Rainsford spurns Zaroff's declaration, indicating that he is still a "beast at bay" and that the "game" between the two men can only end in the death of one of the men. The general confirms this and is even joyful in the prospect. He says,

"Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford..."

The term repast is defined as a meal and so the general suggests that the man who loses the duel will be thrown to the dogs. The other one will sleep in the general's bed. The final line confirms that Rainsford has killed the general because he comments on the comfort of the bed. 

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Describe Zaroff's attire, cuisine, furnishings, and lifestyle in "The Most Dangerous Game."

    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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What is Rainsford's conflict with Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game" and its resolution?

The conflict in Connell's "The Most Dangerous Game" is man vs. man: Rainsford vs. General Zaroff. Both men are skilled and experienced hunters. Normally, each man's conflict as a hunter would be between himself and his animal quarry; however, in this story, Rainsford learns what it is like to be General Zaroff's quarry. When Rainsford first discovers that General Zaroff hunts men, and Zaroff invites him to participate in such a hunt, Rainsford says, "Thank you, I'm a hunter, not a murderer." Little does Rainsford know that the invitation to hunt is not to join Zaroff as a hunter, but as the one to be hunted. 

The rules of the game are that Rainsford has three days and nights to stay alive. Zaroff usually hunts at night to give the game more intensity. All Rainsford has to do is survive those three days, and he can go home; otherwise, he dies. However, the unexpected happens during the three days of hunting. Rainsford not only comes to feel fear like an animal being hunted, but he seems to turn into an animal himself. For example, when Rainsford does survive the three days, rather than accepting his win and allowing Zaroff to send him back to America, he kills his opponent like a "beast at bay" would kill its predator. Thus, Rainsford forgets what he says in the beginning about not killing other men and kills Zaroff. Therefore, the conflict is resolved when Rainsford and Zaroff fight, Zaroff dies, and Rainsford comes off the conqueror. The interesting thing about the resolution is that Rainsford completely changes his attitude towards killing men by the end of his traumatic hunting experience.

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What is Rainsford's conflict with Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game" and its resolution?

The conflict between Rainsford and Zaroff is brought about by Zaroff's irrational desire to hunt and animal of intelligence, a bill which Rainsford readily fills.  It is resolved when a more intelligent Rainsford out thinks Zaroff and overcomes him in his own bedroom at the end of the story.  

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What is Rainsford's conflict with Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game" and its resolution?

The conflict between Rainsford and Zaroff is brought about by Zaroff's irrational desire to hunt and animal of intelligence, a bill which Rainsford readily fills.  It is resolved when a more intelligent Rainsford out thinks Zaroff and overcomes him in his own bedroom at the end of the story.  

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What is Rainsford's conflict with Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game" and its resolution?

These two characters serve as "character foils" in this particular story. Some of the similarities between Rainsford and Zaroff are that they are both "big game hunters" and "live for the hunt". In the past, they have both been exposed to hideous experiences in war. Both of them are characterized as being highly educated, shown through the fact that Zaroff is fluent in several languages, and Rainsford has written his own book.

The differences are more interesting. Zaroff, due to his experiences in war and work for the Czar, has little to no respect for human life. Rainsford finds this to be disgusting. Zaroff also has lost his passion for hunting animals, so, in accordance with his lack of respect to human life, he starts hunting humans. Rainsford still greatly enjoys hunting animals. Before being stranded with Zaroff, he was very excited about hunting in Rio. What we may see here is that Rainsford is an earlier version of Zaroff, not yet bitter and cold and heartless. However, by the end of the short story, he kills Zaroff after "winning the game". He justifies it by saying he is "still a beast at bay", but Zaroff had already awarded him victory. Rainsford killed him anyway. 

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What is Rainsford's conflict with Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game" and its resolution?

Sanger Rainsford is the protagonist in Richard Connell's short story "The Most Dangerous Game." When the story begins, Rainsford is on a yacht, sailing through the Caribbean on his way to South America to hunt in the Amazon. The ship is passing by a mysterious island in the dark when Rainsford accidentally falls overboard.

He swims to the island and is exhausted. After he wakes up at noon the next day, he begins to search the island looking for some form of civilization and help. After some looking he rounds a bend in the island and the first structure he sees is the general's house:

[H]e saw to his great astonishment that all the lights were in one enormous building--a lofty structure with pointed towers plunging upward into the gloom. His eyes made out the shadowy outlines of a palatial chateau; it was set on a high bluff, and on three sides of it cliffs dived down to where the sea licked greedy lips in the shadows.

This is a positive sign for Rainsford, as he is confident that whoever lives in such a house must surely be able to help him get off the island. 

Rainsford approaches and knocks on the massive and imposing door; he is met by a silent and deadly-looking giant man who is pointing a gun directly at him (we later learn this is Ivan, Zaroff's enforcer and servant). 

Another man was coming down the broad marble steps, an erect, slender man in evening clothes. He advanced to Rainsford and held out his hand.

This is General Zaroff, and he seems to be a most civilized and courteous gentleman. Rainsford soon learns that the two of them have much in common, and Rainsford is even more encouraged that this is the man who will help him get off the island. Things will soon change, of course, but for now Rainsford is happy to meet General Zaroff. 

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Describe Zaroff's lifestyle in The Most Dangerous Game. How does Rainsford fit into this setting?

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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In "The Most Dangerous Game," what realizations does Rainsford have about Zaroff and his game at the climax?

Rainsford realizes fairly quickly into this adventure that Zaroff is playing a game of "cat and mouse" with him.  Rainsford, with his 3 hour head start, still is no match for Zaroff, who finds him quickly and pretends he can't see his prey hiding in the tree overhead.  Rainsford sets a trap that kills Ivan, not Zaroff, and winds up jumping off a cliff to save himself.  As readers, we assume he's dead; the dramatic irony leads us to the climax, when Rainsford shows up in Zaroff's room, the "winner."  Although Rainsford is dismissed by Zaroff, given the go-ahead to go home safely, we can assume that Rainsford's true character is revealed when he sleeps soundly that night in Zaroff's bed. 

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In "The Most Dangerous Game," who will dominate the contest, Rainsford or Zaroff?

This is a great question. Each person has strong points. 

If we look at Rainsford, his strong points are his vast experience in hunting and his knowledge of the world. We know that he travelled extensively (as he is doing at the beginning of the story). So, he must have picked up various ideas and skills in his travels. That his knowledge is vast can also be seen in the books that he wrote on hunting. 

If we look at General Zaroff, he also has strong points. He knows the the terrain of the island very well. This gives him a huge advantage. Second, he, too, is an experienced hunter. Third, he read Rainsford's books. This shows that he knows his "enemy." Finally, he has seen war in his life. 

In view of these points, the advantage goes to Zaroff. The reader is made to think that Zaroff will destroy Rainsford. 

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How does Zaroff's cultivation influence Rainsford in "The Most Dangerous Game"?

Rainsford is surprised and impressed at general Zaroff's sophistication. I don't blame him. They are on a remote island. In light of this, Rainsford is probably surprised that there is life on the island, let alone a person who is as sophisticated as general Zaroff. We must also bear in mind that the general knows how to speak several languages, knows about fine foods and wines, and has even read Rainsford's books. This is what the text says:

"Not in the least," declared Rainsford. He was finding the general a most thoughtful and affable host, a true cosmopolite.

That said Rainsford is not completely comfortable. Something about the general makes him feel uncomfortable. Here is what the text says:

But there was one small trait of .the general's that made Rainsford uncomfortable. Whenever he looked up from his plate he found the general studying him, appraising him narrowly.

Finally, when Rainsford learns that Zaroff is hunting humans, he is disgusted with Zaroff. 

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