The Most Dangerous Game Quiz and Discussion Questions

What does Zaroff reveal to Rainsford during their discussion about hunting?

Why does Rainsford feel unsettled by Zaroff's hobby?

How does Zaroff ensure that the hunt is challenging for his victims?

Why does Zaroff spare Rainsford's life on multiple occasions during the hunt?

What traps does Rainsford set up to thwart Zaroff during the hunt?

How does the chase between Rainsford and Zaroff come to an end?

What kind of animal is Sanger Rainsford traveling to the Amazon to hunt?

What is the name of the mysterious island that Rainsford and Whitney pass by on their yacht?

What does Rainsford find odd about the empty .22 cartridge he discovers on the island?

What does General Zaroff's assistant Ivan lack?

Where does Rainsford end up after falling overboard and swimming towards the island?

What is the first sign of struggle Rainsford notices on the island?

Introduction

Sanger Rainsford, a game hunter, is on a yacht traveling to the Amazon to hunt jaguars.

Rainsford's Ship Encounter

Rainsford and his friend Whitney discuss superstitions about Ship-Trap Island, a mysterious Caribbean island.
They discuss the effects of man on the animal kingdom and how the hunted animals must feel.

Rainsford's Stranding

Rainsford falls overboard while investigating gunshots near the island shore.
He swims to the island and falls into a deep sleep.

Rainsford's Encounter with General Zaroff

Rainsford finds signs of a struggle and an empty .22 cartridge on the shore.
He follows boot prints and comes upon a large chateau, where he meets General Zaroff, a big game hunter.
Zaroff reveals that he has become bored with hunting and now hunts sailors whose ships crash into the island.

Zaroff's Hobby

Zaroff gives his victims food, rest, and survival training, then sends them out into the jungle with supplies.
He hunts them, and if they survive for three days without being killed, he lets them go.

Rainsford's Hunt

Rainsford is given a three-hour head start before Zaroff begins hunting him.
On the first day, Rainsford creates a confusing trail and climbs a tree, but Zaroff finds him quickly.
On the second day, Rainsford fashions a "man-catcher" trap, which Zaroff triggers, getting hit in the shoulder.
On the third day, Rainsford creates additional traps, killing one of Zaroff's dogs and Ivan.

Rainsford's Escape

Rainsford jumps off a cliff into the sea, and Zaroff investigates, thinking Rainsford is dead.
However, Rainsford is still alive and has escaped.

Test your knowledge of the short story 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell with this quiz covering the opening scenes and the themes discussed by the characters. Explore the characters, setting, and key ideas presented at the beginning of the story.