Quote 13
“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 14
“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 15
“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.