1. What explanation does Zaroff give for his servant's not speaking to Rainsford?
(a) The man can neither hear nor speak.
(b) The man only speaks Russian.
(c) Only Zaroff is allowed to speak to visitors.
(d) The man has a phobia of strangers.

2. Why did Zaroff leave Russia?
(a) He was exiled by the Czar.
(b) Because of the Russian Revolution.
(c) He was looking for a place with more privacy.
(d) He found the hunting in Russia had become dull.

3. What is Rainsford's first reaction when he falls overboard?
(a) He starts swimming in the direction of the island.
(b) He starts to swim after the yacht.
(c) He tries to swim toward the other ship.
(d) He repeatedly yells to try to get the yacht's attention.

4. Which is the best description of Rainsford when he is in the water?
(a) He thinks the situation is amusing at first but rapidly realizes that it is serious.
(b) He is shocked at first but stays calm and thinks his situation through.
(c) He is overconfident and thinks that nothing can harm him.
(d) He panics and then is embarrassed because he is well-known for his courage.

5. What kind of people does Rainsford guess might live on the island?
(a) Hunters.
(b) Cannibals.
(c) Missing sailors.
(d) War criminals.

Short Answer Questions

1. On page 1, the narrator says that the night "was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht." What literary technique is being employed in this phrase?

2. What is the first thing that Rainsford does once he is on top of the cliffs?

3. On page 1, the night is described as "dank." In this context, what does this word mean?

4. Who is the captain of the ship that Rainsford travels on?

5. In what region is the island located?

(see the answer key)

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