Was Rainsford Justified In Killing General Zaroff Analysis

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Tanner Toussaint In the short story The Most Dangerous Game by Richard Connell, Rainsford is justified in killing General Zaroff. One of the reasons why Rainsford is justified in killing General Zaroff is on the island the only way to live is to hunt or to be the one being hunted. Secondly, Rainsford is justified in killing General Zaroff because Zaroff wanted to die. Lastly, Rainsford is justified in killing General Zaroff because killing Zaroff is going to be the only way Rainsford will escape the island from a psychopath. Firstly, in the story The Most Dangerous Game, Rainsford is justified in killing General Zaroff because on the island the only way to live is if the stranded people hunt or the stranded will in contrast become the ones being hunted. In the beginning of the story Rainsford is talking to Whitney about jaguars. Whitney is stating that the jaguars must feel some sort of feeling like fear or terror but in contrast Rainsford states that the jaguars have no understanding of feelings. Then Rainsford is put on a island where he symbolically represents the jaguar and General Zaroff would symbolically represent the hunter. Rainsford has no way to live unless he kills General Zaroff because Zaroff would most likely continue to force Rainsford to …show more content…

This is shown when Rainsford got into Zaroff's room. Rainsford states “I’m still a beast at bay.” Then General Zaroff says “‘ I see... Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford.’” Then the text states that Rainsford has never slept in a better bed. Based on common knowledge someone in danger doesn’t say things like splendid and on guard when being threaten. Zaroff knew he is going to die and is also hoping for it. Rainsford is justified in killing General Zaroff because Zaroff wanted to

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