How we cite our quotes: (Part.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Even so, I rather think they understand one thing—fear. The fear of pain and the fear of death." (1.13)
How does fear relate to strength and skill? Can fear be as big a motivator and advantage as those two—or does fear put someone at a disadvantage?
Quote #2
He wrestled himself out of his clothes and shouted with all his power (1.34)
Keep track of the examples in which Rainsford applies strength to survive—and, likewise, when he applies reason. Preventing himself from drowning is not something that he applies brainpower to accomplish.
Quote #3
[…] doggedly he swam in that direction, swimming with slow, deliberate strokes, conserving his strength. (1.35)
Another point for strength. Rainsford isn’t just shrewd; he’s got muscle power.
Quote #4
"No animal had a chance with me any more. That is no boast; it is a mathematical certainty. The animal had nothing but his legs and his instinct. Instinct is no match for reason.”
[…]
“[The ideal quarry] must have courage, cunning, and, above all, it must be able to reason.” (1.89, 98)
What does Zaroff mean by “mathematical certainty” in this context?
Quote #5
"A twenty-two," he remarked. "That's odd. It must have been a fairly large animal too.” (1.44)
Think about how guns figure into the strength vs. skill argument. Which one is required to shoot a gun? Both? Neither?
Quote #6
The first thing Rainsford's eyes discerned was the largest man Rainsford had ever seen—a gigantic creature, solidly made and black bearded to the waist. (1.48)
Meet Ivan. He’s Zaroff’s heavy—the one who wields the whip. Is he the brawn to Zaroff’s brain? Does he have strength or skill?
Quote #7
“A simple fellow, but, I'm afraid, like all his race, a bit of a savage." (1.58)
Now we get a little insight into Ivan. He is precious to Rainsford because of his simplicity. According to Zaroff’s characterization, Ivan is no brain trust. In a way, he fits into the category of Zaroff’s “scum of the earth.” Wonder if Zaroff ever thought of hunting him.
Quote #8
“You see, I read all books on hunting published in English, French, and Russian. I have but one passion in my life, Mr. Rainsford, and it is the hunt." (1.69)
Zaroff may be a bookworm, but reading is not his passion. He does his research, but the real learning takes place outside the classroom.
Quote #9
“My whole life has been one prolonged hunt.” (1.88)
Here’s some real soul-baring on Zaroff’s part. We see his desire to hunt as pathology, an obsession. His short bio tells us that hunting has been in him since he was a child shooting an innocent sparrow.
Quote #10
“They were no match at all for a hunter with his wits about him, and a high-powered rifle.” (1.90)
Let’s slow down here for a sec. How many animals could be a match for a hunter with a high-powered rifle—wits or no? We’d like to see a little discussion of technology and weaponry here.
Quote #11
"I had no wish to go to pieces," he said. "I must do something. Now, mine is an analytical mind, Mr. Rainsford. Doubtless that is why I enjoy the problems of the chase." (1.92)
In the character of Zaroff, Connell makes some intriguing suggestions about the nature of the analytical mind. So much is said of strength and wits, but what about ethics? Zaroff’s intense desire to examine the state of things leaves out the central factor of morals. It’s almost as if they don’t exist on his island—maybe because they don’t have to?