What do you think of Zaroff’s comment that he is civilized because he uses electricity to lure the ships? (p. 226)
Is Zaroff’s statement that his captives do not have to participate in the hunt true? Explain.
Why might Zaroff have used dogs, like those on page 227, on his hunts?
How does Zaroff decorate his dining hall? (p. 227)
What has Rainsford learned about Zaroff’s interest in hunting since their conversation began? (p. 227)
What kind of heads do you think Zaroff wants to show Rainsford? Explain. (p. 227)
Who are the “pupils” in Zaroff’s cellar? (p. 227)
Explain the common expression “a matter of life or death.” (p. 228)
Do you think that, in most cases, an external conflict that is “a matter of life or death” is more serious that an internal conflict? (p. 228)
How does Rainsford’s statement about wishing to leave make his internal conflict an external one? (p. 228)
What choice does Zaroff give his captives? (p. 228)
What complex inference can you make about the hunting trip Zaroff is suggesting? (p. 228)
What two suggestions does Zaroff give Rainsford before they begin to hunt? (p. 229)
How does the picture on p. 230 support Rainsford’s thought that straight flight through the jungle is futile? (p. 230)
What is Rainsford doing in the last paragraph on p. 230?
How is Rainsford’s strategy a way in which he tries to ensure his survival? (p. 230)
What can you infer about Zaroff from the fact that he arrives at the tree in which Rainsford is hiding? (p. 231)
What textual evidence in the description of Zaroff’s searching the tree might lead you to make the inference that he knows Rainsford is there? (p. 231)
What inference does Rainsford make from Zaroff’s actions? (p. 231)
On the first night of the hunt, where does Rainsford attempt to hide from Zaroff?
After his trap does not succeed, what must Rainsford think are his chances for survival? (p. 232)
Who seems to be winning the conflict at this point in the story? Explain. (p. 232)
Which man do you think will win? Why?
In what ways does Zaroff antagonize Rainsford?
Literature in Context: History Connection p. 233
Rainsford says his time in the trenches was “placid” compared to his experience on the island. How does this information about trenches clarify his fear? (p. 233)
How is Zaroff’s behavior different from his behavior earlier in the hunt? (p. 234)
Imagine that Zaroff had to play his “dangerous game” in a desert instead of on Ship-Trap Island. Based on the text on page 234. as well as what you know about Zaroff’s skill as a hunter, how do you think the desert game would go for Zaroff?
What new internal conflict does the sound of the baying dogs create for Rainsford? (p. 235)
Why do you think poise and self-control—grace under pressure—are highly respected traits found in athletes, military leaders and those in life-saving professions? (p. 235)
What does Rainsford do when he reaches the edge of the cliff? (p. 235)
Critical Thinking p. 236 - Write your answers on notebook paper / Answer in complete sentences / Support your responses with evidence from the text
1. What do you like or dislike about Rainsford? Explain.
2. (a) According to Zaroff, what is the most dangerous game?
(b) Make a Judgment: Based on this attitude, would you call Zaroff “civilized”? Why or why not?
3. (a) Near the end, with what words does Zaroff congratulate Rainsford? (b) Make Inferences: What action does Rainford then take?
4. Speculate: How might Rainsford’s experience on the island change him?
The Big Question: Is conflict necessary?
(a) In what sense is conflict a “necessary” part of the hunting experience? (b) Why does Zaroff consider it necessary to increase the conflict in his hunts?