Although Zaroff is able to find Rainsford easily, he does not capture him right away, hoping to prolong the excitement of the hunt.įor three days and two nights, Rainsford manages to outwit Zaroff, setting elaborate traps involving quicksand, wooden stakes, and foliage brush to delay the hunter. Rainsford is provided some essentials such as food, clothing, and a knife, presumably to make the game “fair”, and sets off into the night creating a twisted path in the jungle to throw Zaroff off track. When Rainsford demands to leave the island, Zaroff tells him he will be set free if he can survive the next three days: Rainsford is Zaroff’s new prey. The next day, Zaroff tells Rainsford that hunting humans has become too easy, as the sailors who are lured onto the island no longer give him the satisfaction of the hunt. Rainsford is shocked and terrified when he comes to understand what Zaroff wants and needs: to hunt human beings. Zaroff claims to be a hunter himself, and as they are enjoying their dinner, he tells Rainsford that the sport has simply become too easy and he needs more of a challenge. Knowing that Rainsford is the famous hunter, General Zaroff warmly welcomes him and invites him for dinner. Ivan refuses to allow Rainsford inside, but soon the proprietor of the house, General Zaroff, appears and immediately recognizes Rainsford.

He finds his way to a rather large chateau, where he encounters Ivan, a large and burly man who is holding a gun. He swims to the island from where he heard the gunshots, as his boat sails away into the distance. After Whitney goes to sleep, Rainsford hears gunshots coming from the island, and falls off the boat while trying to get a better look and dropping his pipe. The men stay up late, discussing their beliefs about predator and prey as they sail past the mysterious and dark “Ship-Trap Island”. Sanger Rainsford, a big game hunter, is on his way to the Amazon by boat, accompanied by his friend Whitney and crew. Why is setting so important?īeware! This short summary contains spoilers! Teachers should use this summary as a reference and it should not be shared with students. What is the setting of this story? Be sure to consider the location and the time period in which the story takes place.Who are the other characters in this story? Why are they important?.What does General Zaroff want to do with Rainsford?.Who is General Zaroff in 'The Most Dangerous Game'? Who or what does he symbolize?.What are the main themes of this story?.

How can an author build suspense? How is this achieved in 'The Most Dangerous Game' short story?.

The most dangerous game book