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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Zaroff tell Rainsford he lives for?

2. What does Zaroff enjoy about hunting humans?

3. Who is Rainsford's hunting partner?

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

5. As Rainsford begins to walk along the cliffside, what does he notice in the jungle?

Short Essay Questions

1. Describe the first encounter between Rainsford and Ivan.

2. How does the discussion of the Cape buffalo introduce a possible meaning of the story's title?

3. Describe General Zaroff's house.

4. What warning signs are present in Zaroff's banter about Cossacks?

5. What is the disagreement between Rainsford and Whitney?

6. Once he falls overboard, what does Rainsford do and what does it show about his character?

7. In what ways does Zaroff show himself to be a good host?

8. Describe the early warning signs about Zaroff's island that Rainsford ignores.

9. What does Rainsford find in the jungle as he is walking toward Zaroff's house, and what does he conclude from it?

10. Describe the physical setting of Ship-Trap Island.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Write an essay in which you analyze the title of the story "The Most Dangerous Game." In your essay, explain how the multiple layers of meaning in the title develop throughout the story and how these multiple layers support the story's meaning. Be sure to use textual evidence to support your claims.

Essay Topic 2

In what way is this story about more than hunting animals? Explain how this story comments on the way that human beings treat one another as much as it comments on how humans treat other animals. Be sure to offer textual support for your claims.

Essay Topic 3

Write an essay about the story's ending in which you consider this question: Is Rainsford a hypocrite? Think about Rainsford's statements about hunting versus murder and animals versus humans. Are his beliefs consistent or do they seem to be designed to allow him to do something that he suspects might be wrong? How does this question relate to the ending of the story and his choice to seek out and kill Zaroff instead of finding and using Zaroff's boat? Be sure to use textual evidence to support your claims.

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 950 words (approx. 4 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample