Writing a Literary Analysis through the Lens of a Quotation Answers

Read the excerpt from a student’s essay.As Rainsford enters the dining room, he immediately becomes aware of Zaroff’s expensive and sophisticated taste. He notes the decorations, the food, the drink, all of which are exquisite and advertise Zaroff’s privileged aristocratic upbringing. Rainsford is initially impressed by the general’s home and finds him to be a "thoughtful and affable host.”

Read the excerpt from "The Most Dangerous Game.""Off there to the right—somewhere—is a large island," said Whitney. "It's rather a mystery—""What island is it?" Rainsford asked."The old charts call it ‘Ship-Trap Island,"' Whitney replied. "Asuggestive name, isn't it? Sailors have a curious dread of the place. Idon't know why. Some superstition—"

Read the excerpt from a student’s essay.Initially, Rainsford tries to escape Zaroff by creating an elaborate trail. He spends the bulk of the afternoon walking in circles, doubling back on himself, and executing a "series of elaborate loops.” _________, when the sun begins to set, Rainsford climbs into a tree to rest through the night while Zaroff combs the jungle for his tracks.

Read the excerpt from "The Most Dangerous Game."Bleak darkness was blacking out the sea and jungle when Rainsford sighted the lights. He came upon them as he turned a crook in the coast line, and his first thought was that he had come upon a village, for there were many lights. But as he forged along he saw to his great astonishment that all the lights were in one enormous building—a lofty structure with pointed towers plunging upward into the gloom. His eyes made out the shadowy outlines of a palatial chateau; it was set on a high bluff, and on three sides of it cliffs dived down to where the sea licked greedy lips in the shadows.

Elva is writing an essay about "The Most Dangerous Game." Which excerpt from the story best supports her idea that Rainsford and Zaroff have some common ideas?

Read the excerpt from a student’s essay.The first mention of Ship-Trap Island already gives the reader an uneasy feeling. Whitney describes the island’s fearsome reputation among the ship’s crew as Rainsford peers into the black night to see any sign of the place. He cannot see the mysterious island, and Whitney knows little about it, other than that it frightens the sailors. Interestingly, it fills Whitney with a sense of dread as well.

Read the excerpt from "The Most Dangerous Game."I suggest, too, that you avoid the big swamp in the southeast corner of the island. We call it Death Swamp. There's quicksand there. One foolish fellow tried it. The deplorable part of it was that Lazarus followed him. You can imagine my feelings, Mr. Rainsford. I loved Lazarus; he was the finest hound in my pack.

Read the excerpt from a student’s essay.The most striking thing about General Zaroff is his blatant disregard of human life. It is clear that his years of hunting and fighting in wars has hardened him against feeling any sympathy for his human prey. This is very clear, _________, when he describes the people he hunts to Rainsford. He calls them the "scum of the earth” and says the world is better off without them.

Read the excerpt from a student’s essay.As Rainsford struggles in the water, the boat travels onward without him. Quickly, he retains his wits. Instead of panicking, he decides to head toward the sound of the gunshots. He does so _________ he realizes where there are gunshots, there are people. Hopefully, these people will be willing and able to help him.

Read the excerpt from "The Most Dangerous Game."The bed was good, and the pajamas of the softest silk, and he was tired in every fiber of his being, but nevertheless Rainsford could not quiet his brain with the opiate of sleep. He lay, eyes wide open. Once he thought he heard stealthy steps in the corridor outside his room. He sought to throw open the door; it would not open. He went to the window and looked out. His room was high up in one of the towers. The lights of the chateau were out now, and it was dark and silent, but there was a fragment of sallow moon, and by its wan light he could see, dimly, the courtyard. There, weaving in and out in the pattern of shadow, were black, noiseless forms; the hounds heard him at the window and looked up, expectantly, with their green eyes. Rainsford went back to the bed and lay down. By many methods he tried to put himself to sleep. He had achieved a doze when, just as morning began to come, he heard, far off in the jungle, the faint report of a pistol.