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What is ironic about Zaroff’s statement: “Oh, you can trust me… I will give you my word as a gentleman and as a sportsman”?
Quick answer:
Zaroff's statement is ironic because he presents himself as a "gentleman" and "sportsman," yet his actions reveal him to be a deceitful murderer who hunts humans for sport. Despite his claim of civility and trustworthiness, Zaroff lures Rainsford into a deadly game under false pretenses. His behavior contradicts the qualities associated with a true gentleman or sportsman, highlighting the irony in his assurance of trustworthiness.
Once Rainsford enters General Zaroff's estate, the general initially treats him with hospitality and portrays himself as a civil aristocrat. During their first meal, General Zaroff explains how he hunts humans on Ship-Trap Island, which horrifies Rainsford. The next day, Rainsford insists on leaving the island, because he refuses to hunt humans with the general. The general laughs before explaining to Rainsford that he will be hunting him later that day. General Zaroff then explains to Rainsford the conditions of the game, which will last for three days. The general tells Rainsford that if he survives for three days, Zaroff will have him dropped off on the mainland near town. Zaroff then says,
"I will give you my word as a gentleman and a sportsman" (Connell, 11).
Zaroff referring to himself as a "gentleman" and a "sportsman" is ironic because he is the complete opposite of a civilized, decorous...
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man. General Zaroff is more of a deranged murderer, a hunting fanatic who kills people trapped on his island. He is not a "sportsman" either, because killing defenseless humans is not a sport; it is murder.
This statement is ironic because Zaroff is claiming to be a gentleman, one whom the reader might predict is civilized and trustworthy. Zaroff, however, is anything but civilized when he hunts other people on the island. He claims to be a gentleman when he's a murderer in all actuality.
In "The Most Dangerous Game," what is ironic about Zaroff's statement about trust?
It is ironic that Zaroff wants Rainsford to trust him because he has already tricked him.
Zaroff has proven himself to be of a low moral character several times by the time he asks Rainsford to trust him. After all, he tricked Rainsford into playing the game. He also showed him how he trapped ships for prey.
When Rainsford sits down to dinner with Zaroff, the general treats him like a guest and not at all like a prisoner. They discuss Zaroff’s past, and Zaroff tells Rainsford he knows who he is because he has read his books on hunting. By all accounts, he seems to be treating Rainsford as an equal and showing him great respect.
Even when Rainsford and Zaroff discuss the concept of murder, Rainsford has no idea that he is going to be participating in Zaroff’s game as prey. He assumes that Zaroff is offering to let him hunt with him.
"Why should I not be serious? I am speaking of hunting."
"Hunting? Great Guns, General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder."
The general laughed with entire good nature. He regarded Rainsford quizzically. "I refuse to believe that so modern and civilized a young man as you seem to be harbors romantic ideas about the value of human life.”
This conversation seems to be further proof that Zaroff is tricking Rainsford. He seems good-natured and at ease. He debates philosophy and morality with Rainsford. There is no hint at all that he is going to force Rainsford to let him hunt him.
By the time Rainsford finds out what is really happening, he is shocked.
"And if I win—" began Rainsford huskily.
"I'll cheerfully acknowledge myself defeat if I do not find you by midnight of the third day," said General Zaroff. "My sloop will place you on the mainland near a town." The general read what Rainsford was thinking.
The general seems to be indicating that Rainsford should just take him at his word and trust him. This is ironic because nothing General Zaroff has done at this point has been honest. He has been sneaky and dishonest from the beginning, luring Rainsford in to make him let his guard down before springing the surprise on him, which is his role in the game. That does not inspire confidence that he will let Rainsford live if he wins.