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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 Zaroff realizes that he is the one in danger and moves out of the way, to what does the narrator compare his quick movement?
(a) A snake.
(b) A hunting dog.
(c) An ape.
(d) A cheetah.

2. What kind of animals does Zaroff say are better than the people he hunts?
(a) Thoroughbreds.
(b) Wild animals.
(c) Predators.
(d) Farm animals.

3. After Zaroff leaves, when Rainsford is lying in the tree and thinking over what has just happened, what emotion does Rainsford feel?
(a) Terror.
(b) Regret.
(c) Triumph.
(d) Anger.

4. When Rainsford says that he is not a murderer, the General calls him "droll" (35). What is Zaroff saying about Rainsford?
(a) That his objection to murder is weak.
(b) That his objection to murder is funny.
(c) That his objection to murder is sensible.
(d) That his objection to murder is childish.

5. What does Zaroff do if one of his victims is close to winning the game?
(a) He just extends the time period that they have to survive through.
(b) He uses dogs to hunt them.
(c) He tricks them into thinking they have won and then kills them anyway.
(d) He cheats by going back to the house for better weapons.

Short Answer Questions

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

2. What does Rainsford keep telling himself after the first two hours or running from Zaroff?

3. On what does Zaroff blame Rainsford's refusal to participate in murder?

4. What is the significance of the two trees, where one is leaning on the other?

5. What is most clearly implied by the last line of this story?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(see the answer keys)

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