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

The Most Dangerous Game

by Richard Edward Connell

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Student Question

Where did Rainsford rest after creating loops to confuse Zaroff in The Most Dangerous Game?

Quick answer:

After creating a complex trail to confuse General Zaroff, Rainsford climbs a tree and rests on its branches for the night. This strategic move helps him avoid immediate danger from Zaroff, who follows the elaborate trail but does not look up into the tree. In the morning, Rainsford is terrified to realize Zaroff is aware of his location but chooses to save the hunt for another day.

Expert Answers

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Short Answer: After making an elaborate trail for the general to follow, Rainsford climbs a tree and rests on its branches throughout the night.

Once the most dangerous game begins, Sanger Rainsford runs as far as he can from General Zaroff's chateau without thinking in order to put distance between himself and the maniacal general. When Rainsford finally settles down and controls his emotions, he recalls the lore of the fox hunt and begins to make intricate loops as he creates an elaborate trail through the wilderness.

Once Rainsford doubles his tracks and performs a series of intricate loops, he realizes that sleeping on the ground will put him in immediate danger if Zaroff approaches. He proceeds to climb a large tree, where he ends up resting throughout the night.

In the morning, Rainsford wakes up and discovers that the general has followed his elaborate trail throughout the night. When Zaroff approaches the tree, he keeps his eyes directed at the ground and never looks up before he casually walks away. Rainsford is struck with terror when he realizes that the general is saving him for another day of hunting.

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