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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. When he is hiding in the tree, what does Rainsford suddenly realize?
(a) Zaroff is not quite as good at tracking as he thinks.
(b) Zaroff is not playing the game by his own rules.
(c) Zaroff does not really want to kill him.
(d) Zaroff is like a cat playing with a mouse before killing it.

2. On page 51, Rainsford's night is said to be "apprehensive." What kind of a night is it?
(a) Full of planning.
(b) Full of regret.
(c) Full of suffering.
(d) Full of worry.

3. On page 51, the word "dingy" is used. How is this word pronounced, and what does it mean?
(a) Rhymes with "stringy," and means a type of small boat.
(b) Rhymes with "stingy," and means a type of small boat.
(c) Rhymes with "stringy," and means dirty, dull.
(d) Rhymes with "stingy," and means dirty, dull.

4. On page 43, Rainsford looks out the window and sees a "sallow" moon. What kind of moon does this mean he is looking at?
(a) A moon that sparkles with light.
(b) A narrow sliver of moon.
(c) A moon that seems unfriendly.
(d) A sickly yellow moon.

5. What justification does Zaroff give for his actions?
(a) He kills his victims quickly and as painlessly as possible.
(b) He does give his victims a choice.
(c) He is only hunting lower class people.
(d) He is only hunting non-Christians.

Short Answer Questions

1. What is it implied that Zaroff keeps in his library?

2. When Rainsford is waiting in the tree, to whom does he compare Zaroff?

3. On page 38, Zaroff calls something that Rainsford says "barbarous." What does this word mean in this context?

4. On page 50, Rainsford decides that taking a rest is "imperative." What does this mean he thinks about the idea of resting?

5. How does Rainsford finally succeed in getting away from Zaroff?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does Zaroff obtain his victims?

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

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

4. Explain at least two ways in which the story's title can be understood.

5. What does Zaroff say about the "strong" and the "weak" (35)?

6. What part of the island does Zaroff tell Rainsford to avoid, and what are at least two likely motives for his warning?

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

8. 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)?

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

10. How does Zaroff characterize Rainsford's views on hunting human beings?

(see the answer keys)

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