Read this excerpt from Part 2 of "The Most Dangerous Game,” by Richard Connell.
"Nerve, nerve, nerve!" he panted, as he dashed along. A blue gap showed between the trees dead ahead. Ever nearer drew the hounds. Rainsford forced himself on toward that gap. He reached it. It was the shore of the sea. Across a cove he could see the gloomy gray stone of the chateau. Twenty feet below him the sea rumbled and hissed. Rainsford hesitated. He heard the hounds. Then he leaped far out into the sea. . . .
Now read the second excerpt.
A man, who had been hiding in the curtains of the bed, was standing there. "Rainsford!" screamed the general. "How in God's name did you get here?" "Swam," said Rainsford. "I found it quicker than walking through the jungle." The general sucked in his breath and smiled. "I congratulate you," he said. "You have won the game." Rainsford did not smile. "I am still a beast at bay," he said, in a low, hoarse voice. "Get ready, General Zaroff." The general made one of his deepest bows. "I see," he said. "Splendid! One of us is to furnish a repast for the hounds. The other will sleep in this very excellent bed. On guard, Rainsford." . . . He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided.
Readers must revise their predictions about Rainsford after reading the second excerpt because initially it would seem that he plunges to his death, but he actually
flees the island without confrontation.
saves himself by killing the hounds.
accepts the general’s apology.
survives and seeks revenge.
Answer:
Rainsford actually survives and seeks revenge.
Explanation:
The readers would need to take some time to revise their predictions, especially after reading the second excerpt where it seems he plunged to his death but instead he is shown to have somehow found his way to the General's bedroom where he has come to seek for revenge because after the General tells him that he has won the game, Rainsford does not smile.
He goes ahead to let the General know that he is still a beast at bay and the General is told to get ready and we assume that their weapons are drawn, after which the General declares that one of them would be a repast for the hounds and the other would sleep in ana excellent bed.
