The Most Dangerous Game – Task 1 (Pages 64 – 66)
I. Multiple Choice Questions
Question 1 (RL .9 .2):
How does Rainsford's observation of the jungle surroundings contribute to the building suspense
in the story?
a. Rainsford's cheerful demeanor reflects his optimism about his situation.
b. Rainsford's detailed examination of the jungle suggests he is well-prepared for survival.
c. Rainsford's realization that a large animal had been wounded increases tension by
suggesting potential danger nearby.
d. Rainsford's lack of concern about his surroundings indicates his confidence in his ability
to navigate the island safely.
Question 2 (RL .9 .2):
What effect does the description of the mysterious building have on the reader's perception of the
island?
a. The description creates a sense of comfort and safety, contrasting with the ominous
atmosphere of the island.
b. The description adds to the eerie and unsettling atmosphere, heightening the suspense and
mystery.
c. The description suggests the presence of a friendly community, alleviating Rainsford's
concerns about his predicament.
d. The description conveys a feeling of familiarity and warmth, indicating that Rainsford
has stumbled upon a familiar place.
Question 3 (RL .9 .3):
How does the author use Rainsford's encounter with General Zaroff to develop the plot and
increase tension?
a. The encounter provides Rainsford with a sense of relief and security, resolving the
suspense built up earlier in the story.
b. The encounter introduces a new character who adds humor and light-heartedness to the
narrative, easing the tension.
c. The encounter raises questions about General Zaroff's intentions and motives, deepening
the mystery surrounding the island.
d. The encounter distracts from the main conflict of the story, slowing down the pacing and
reducing tension.
Question 4 (RL .9 .3):
Which detail from the text contributes most to the sense of foreboding as Rainsford approaches
the building?
a. The description of the building as "lofty structure with pointed towers plunging upward
into the gloom."
b. Rainsford's observation of the many lights, initially mistaken for a village, concentrated
in one enormous building.
c. The revelation that all the lights are coming from a single building, contrasting sharply
with the darkness of the surrounding jungle.
d. The sight of the "shadowy outlines of a palatial château" set on a high bluff with cliffs
diving down to the sea.
Question 5 (RL .9 .5):
How does the introduction of General Zaroff impact Rainsford's perception of his situation?
a. Rainsford becomes more at ease, trusting General Zaroff's hospitality and assuming he is
safe.
b. Rainsford becomes suspicious of General Zaroff's intentions, questioning the sincerity of
his welcome.
c. Rainsford becomes intrigued by General Zaroff's appearance and demeanor, finding him
to be an enigmatic figure.
d. Rainsford becomes alarmed, realizing that he may be in the presence of a dangerous
adversary.
Question 6 (RL .9 .5):
Which aspect of General Zaroff's character contributes most to the tension of the encounter?
a. His polite demeanor and welcoming attitude towards Rainsford.
b. His physical appearance, described as handsome yet possessing a bizarre quality.
c. His authoritative manner and aristocratic bearing.
d. His revelation of Ivan's deafness and his reference to him as "a bit of a savage."
II. Analysis Questions
Question 1
1. How does the author use descriptive language and imagery to create a sense of foreboding
and mystery surrounding Ship-Trap Island and the building where Rainsford encounters
General Zaroff? Cite evidence from the text to support your analysis.
The author uses imagery by talking about the gun shots as he stated “An abrupt sound startled
him. Off to the right he heard it, and his ears, expert in such matters, could not be mistaken. Again
he heard the sound, and again. Somewhere, off in the blackness, someone had fired a gun three
times.” This shows that the author used imagery to create suspense and to try to let the readers
know what is happening in the island.
Question 2
2. Discuss the significance of Rainsford's interactions with the characters Ivan, and General
Zaroff in developing the themes of power dynamics, the dehumanization of others, survival,
fear, and the hunt in "The Most Dangerous Game." Provide specific examples from the text
to illustrate your points.
Rainsford's interactions with Ivan and General Zaroff in "The Most Dangerous Game" reveal important
themes about power, dehumanization, survival, fear, and the hunt. When Rainsford encounters Ivan, he
witnesses the stark power imbalance on Ship-Trap Island, where Ivan's physical dominance symbolizes
General Zaroff's authority over him. Zaroff's treatment of Ivan as a mere tool underscores the
dehumanizing attitude towards those deemed inferior, mirroring his view of humans as prey. As
Rainsford navigates this dangerous terrain, his encounters evoke primal instincts of survival and fear,
intensifying as he realizes the true nature of Zaroff's deadly game. These interactions serve to heighten
the story's tension while exploring complex moral dilemmas inherent in the pursuit of power and the
devaluation of human life.
