The Most Dangerous Game
by Richard Connell
Suitability: Age 11 to adult, mother tongue or EAL.
Questions are divided into three rough categories:
1. Literal
2. Inferential
3. Evaluative


1.1 What is meant by:
   a) Palpable  
   b) Righteous  
   c) Recoil  
   d) Condone  
   e) Indolently  

1.2 What do the following phrases mean:
   a) "He lived a year in a minute."  
   b) "I am still a beast at bay."  

1.3 The answers to the following questions can be found in the text:
   a) In which sea has Connell set Ship-Trap island?
   b) How is Zaroff able to finance his life style?
   c) If Rainsford wins the hunt what does Zaroff promise him?
   d) What happened to Lazarus?
   e) Where does Rainsford spend the first night of his hunt?
   f) How many acres did Zaroff's father have in the Crimea?
   g) Why does Zaroff suggest Rainsford wear moccasins?

1.4 In your own words:
   a) Write a description of Rainsford.
   b) What experience of hunting has Rainsford had?
   c) Describe Zaroff's dining room.

1.5 Draw a map of Ship-Trap island as described in the story.


2.1 What caused Rainsford to believe Zaroff knew he was hiding in the tree? Do you think he was right? Give reasons.

2.2 How does Zaroff stock his island with 'game'?

2.3 What happened to General Zaroff at the end of the story?

2.4 Inspite of being hurt, Zaroff congratulates Rainsford on his 'Malay mancatcher', why?

2.5 How do we know Rainsford is an exceptionally fit man?


3.1 Do you agree that hunting is the 'best sport in the world'?

3.2 Do you agree with Zaroff that 'instinct is no match for reason'?

3.3 Why has Zaroff chosen an island for his sport?

3.4 To what extent does the author use descriptions of Zaroff's looks to define his character?

3.5 Do you think Rainsford's attitude towards hunting changes through the story?
 Questions by Jane Quest