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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. On page 55, a tree is leaning "precariously" on another tree. How is the tree leaning?
(a) The two trees are so close that the leaning tree is still almost upright.
(b) In an unstable way, as if it might fall any minute.
(c) As if the tree it is leaning on is some kind of assistant or helper.
(d) As if the tree that is leaning has only recently fallen.

2. What animal does Rainsford try to think like during the first day of being hunted?
(a) A Cape buffalo.
(b) A tiger.
(c) A fox.
(d) A jaguar.

3. When Rainsford is waiting in the tree, to whom does he compare Zaroff?
(a) Czar Nicholas.
(b) A soldier he knew in the war.
(c) The devil.
(d) Himself.

4. On page 50, Rainsford thinks of General Zaroff as "zealous." What kind of a person does this mean General Zaroff is?
(a) The kind of person who says one thing but does another.
(b) Envious of others' abilities.
(c) Extremely devoted and enthusiastic.
(d) Unable to tell the difference between reality and fantasy.

5. What spot on the island does Zaroff warn Rainsford to stay away from?
(a) The cliffs.
(b) The caves.
(c) The river.
(d) The swamp.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Zaroff believe fighting in the war should have taught Rainsford?

2. After Zaroff leaves, when Rainsford is lying in the tree and thinking over what has just happened, what emotion does Rainsford feel?

3. What is in General Zaroff's cellar?

4. On page 51, Rainsford's night is said to be "apprehensive." What kind of a night is it?

5. On the morning of the second day of the hunt, what warns Rainsford that Zaroff is approaching?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe General Zaroff's actions when Rainsford is hiding in the tree.

2. What disagreement do Zaroff and Rainsford have about the difference between "hunting" and "murder"?

3. What does Zaroff ask Rainsford to promise him he will do if he wins the "game," and what is the result?

4. During Rainsford's attempt to escape Zaroff, there are many references to animals. How are they used and what is their significance?

5. What does General Zaroff's definition of "civilized" seem to be?

6. What are the terms of General Zaroff's "game"?

7. How does Rainsford finally escape Zaroff, and why is Zaroff foolish to assume that Rainsford is dead?

8. How does General Zaroff react to Rainsford's various traps?

9. What does Zaroff want to show Rainsford in the cellar and in the library, and what does this tell the reader about him?

10. What allusion is contained in the sentence "I have played the fox, now I must play the cat of the fable," and what is the meaning of the allusion (50)?

(see the answer keys)

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