Quote 7
“It must have courage, cunning, and, above all, it must be able to reason.” (1.107)
Imagine this sentence being Zaroff’s Match.com description for the perfect opponent. Now, why did we put this one under the theme of “Violence”? Because it is so unviolent. It’s not like he says, “It must have a vicious appetite for blood, lack of human compassion, and the ability to tear a human limb from limb with his bare hands.” That’s what Ivan is there for.
Quote 8
“Not many men know how to make a Malay mancatcher. Luckily for me I, too, have hunted in Malacca. You are proving interesting, Mr. Rainsford. I am going now to have my wound dressed; it's only a slight one. But I shall be back. I shall be back." (2.15)
In case you hadn’t noticed, Zaroff finds the hunt amusing. He doesn’t bat an eyelash when he gets hurt. Consider this: to General Zaroff, hunting has very little to do with violence. If he liked violence that much, why bother having Ivan do the dirty work?
Quote 9
“Instinct is no match for reason.” (1.98)
This idea dominates the story, so keep it at the forefront of your mind as you read—and maybe as you live your daily life. Can you always think your way out of a situation?