Civilized Case
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Civilized?
A civilized person is one which holds high standards toward morality, and ethics.
This person has a refined palette, with impeccable manners. He is known for his
hospitality, and intellect. In the short story “The Most Dangerous Game” Richard Connell
suggests that even some of the most fortunate of people, with the highest of standards and
intelligence, can strive for excellence yet still not meet the ethical standards of modern
society. 1[Connell presents General Zaroff as a man of impeccable taste. He is described as a
man of high class who treats his guests with, what he believes to be, the utmost respect.]
2[However, Zaroff murders men without a second thought. He states that the men he has caught
are “the scum of the earth,” suggesting that he believes himself to be of sound morality when
hunting these men.] 3[Zaroff uses his amenities to trap these men. He keeps them trapped on his
island, feeding and training them until they are ready to be hunted.] Zaroff is a man that has
gone cold, grown heartless and has morally fallen in to the dregs of society along with the scum
Writer Connell presents General Zaroff as a man of high society. Upon meeting the
protagonist of the story, Sanger Rainsford, Zaroff respectfully invites him in to his chateau
offering him his own clothing and a seat at his dinner table. Rainsford noted that the suit offered
to him was from a London tailor which did not cut or sew for any one less than elite. The roomswhich belonged to Zaroff were described as remarkable, the cocktails were “surpassingly good”
and the table appointments were of the finest. Zaroff goes on to apologize for any lapses in
civilization. Connell has set up a description of Zaroff which suggests he is a fine, respectful man
willing to honor his guests with lavish amenities.
During their dinner conversation General Zaroff suggests to Rainsford that there is
bigger, more dangerous game out there that he has yet to realize. Zaroff described this game as
“a new animal,” one which can match his own wits. This is an animal with courage, but more
importantly, this animal can reason.