In the story "The Dangerous Game," Rainsford finds himself washed up on the shores of General Zaroff's island, where he is taken in by the general. During that night, General Zaroff tells Rainsford about his hobby, hunting "special animals". Rainsford is aghast to learn that these "special animals" are actually humans. Yet, although committing murder, Zaroff insists that he is a man of civility. General Zaroff's character proves the author's theme that people of wealth and high social position view themselves as superior to others. Zaroff is a man of high social position; he is a general. He owns the island he resides in and even hums songs from musicals such as "Madame Butterfly". Because of this, he sees himself as a man superior to others. …show more content…
Zaroff says that Rainsford has a "naive...and mid-Victorian point of view". Since Zaroff believes that he is someone so much higher and more superior than others, he thinks that anyone who is civil should not even care for human life. Because of this, Zaroff feels no guilt in hunting humans and even enjoys it. Another point that proves the fact that people of high social order view themselves as superior to everyone is Zaroff's pride. He insists that hunting animals has become boring since he always catches his prey. His tremendous skill also applies to his hunt for humans, insisting that "to date, [he] has not lost." Because of Zaroff's pride in his skill, he thinks that he is much better to others, especially to these who unfortunately wash up on his island. Zaroff has so much pride in himself that he lets his opponents have several advantages; he lets them train, gives them supplies, and lets them have a head start. Any other person would have left their opponents with nothing to ensure a