The Most Dangerous Game, Richard Connell

The Most Dangerous Game

by Richard Connell

Study Guide 3

interlige/35

Directions: answer the following questions in small groups. As a group, rate the individual performance of each team member based on the following criteria: individual preparation, participation, use of English.

**Incomplete = -10 Unacceptable = 0/35**

Vocabulary

Use context clues to define each of the following words from the text using the English language. The paragraph numbers are in parentheses.

1. Dread (3):                 apprehension
2. Strokes (26):                  swimming movements, movements against water
3. Crimson (31):         deep red colour
4. Canopied(40):         something covered by a canopy
5. Cunning (57):         having skills in doing something through deceit or trickery
6. Quarry (63):                  prey
7. Condone (74):        accept something that is morally wrong
8. Dusk (112):                   the dark stage of twilight
9. Sapling (130):         a young tree that has a slender trunk
10.  Repast (140):          meal

Comprehension

1. According to Rainsford, why is it morally acceptable to kill animals?

He believes that hunters are superior to animals. In particular, he points out that animals have no understanding. They can't understand fear or pain the way humans do.

1. Why is the sound of the waves crashing on rocks described as the most welcoming sound?

It's a welcoming sound because it tells him that he's reached the shore, where a stable place, safe from the dangers of the ocean, awaits him.

1. Provide a detailed description of the character of General Zaroff.

General Zaroff is a tall, handsome man. He's past middle age, as indicated by his bright white hair. He also has thick eyebrows and a pointed military moustache, both as black as night. He has high cheekbones and a face that seems used to giving orders.

1. What illustrates the general’s thoughtfulness as a host?

The general demonstrates his thoughtfulness as a host by offering Rainsford a cocktail, some food, comfortable clothes and a room. He also engages Rainsford in friendly conversation about hunting, showing an interest in his guest's comfort and experience.

1. What prompted the general to join the army?

He joined the army because it was expected of the noblemen's son.  

1. According to the general, what do you need in order to kill a jaguar?

According to him, all a hunter needs is his wits and a powerful rifle.

1. According to the general, what is the most disappointing thing?

The most disappointing thing is that hunting has become too easy. No animal has a chance against him anymore.

1. According to the general, which traits make the perfect quarry?

According to him, the perfect quarry must have courage, cunning, and the ability to reason.

1. How does the general help Providence to get men to the island?

The general helps Providence bring men to the island by using deceptive lights. These indicate a channel that doesn't really exist, causing the ships to crash into the rocks.

1. How does Rainsford make the general angry?

Rainsford challenges the morality of the general's actions by labeling his hunting as murder and an act of incivility, which angers the general in response.

Rainsford challenges the morality of the general's actions, calling his hunt murder and uncivilized, which angers the general.

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