Hunter or Hunted? In His Book Report

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Though the General Zaroff is sophisticated and a "thoughtful and affable host," Rainsford is leery of him. Instinct and not rational thought makes him uneasy (13). During dinner, Rainsford feels the general "studying him, appraising him narrowly" (13). Though he has no foundation for suspicion -- the general is kind and convivial -- Rainsford is instinctually uneasy. Both before and after his landing on Zaroff's island, Rainsford, despite his avowals to the contrary, displays beast-like qualities.

It is not mere instinct, however, that allows Rainsford to survive in Connells' story. He must rely on his mind as well. Throughout the text, Rainsford uses rationality to direct his course of action. Knowing that "there was a chance that his cries could be heard by some one on board the yacht, but that chance was slender," Rainsford decides to cease his yelling and decides to look for another possibilty (10). He uses his ability to reason to weigh the probability of his being heard and rescued by his shipmates. After realizing the low chance of success in that direction, Rainsford "remembers" that he heard pistol shots off to his right. Again, he relies on his mind: his memory. He knows that "where there are pistol shots, there are men" and "where there are men, there is food" (10). Basing his actions on the progression of rational thought and cognitive associations -- men = food -- Rainsford ceases his shouting and swims toward the island.

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It is not one or the other of these characteristics, however, that allows Rainsford to survive "The Most Dangerous Game." Throughout the tale, Connell emphasizes the need to incorporate rational thought with instinctual understanding. The pinnacle of this association appears in the story's last scene. To get into General Zaroff's chateau, Rainsford had to use rational thought. He tells Zaroff that he "found it quicker [swimming across the bay] than walking through the jungle" (23). Here again, Rainsford rationally weighed two possibilities before deciding on a course of action. The choice allowed him to come to the chateau unobserved. Rationality allows his success.

Despite the seeming advantage gained by rational thought, Connell continues to assert the duality of man to the story's end. Rainsford tells the general that he is "still a beast at bay" (23). The appearance of both animal allusions and rational thought at the in this last scene highlights Connell's belief in the dual nature of man. Rainsford survives the most….....

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