The actions taken by General Zaroff are a reflection of his mental state throughout the text. At the beginning of the story, General Zaroff welcomes Rainsford into his mansion and treats him civilly. Zaroff mentions “ ‘It is a very great pleasure and honor to welcome Mr. Sanger Rainsford, the celebrated hunter, to my home.’ ” (52). Later on in the story, the reader is exposed to the General's savage and immoral nature. After learning this, it is possible to infer that Zaroff’s madness may originate from his life of wealth, luxury, and high stakes. Furthermore, Connell can use General Zaroff's refined manners and procedures to conceal his desire to inflict suffering and death for his amusement. After welcoming Rainsford into his home, General