Question

"The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

Let's briefly contextualize this question. General Zaroff is a hunter in the short story "The Most Dangerous Game". The main character Rainsford, also a famous hunter, accidentally lands in Zaroff's island and is invited by the general to hunt a different kind of game: men. Rainsford, who sees this practice as nothing but murder, refuses. Zaroff, then, proceeds to hunting Rainsford.

If the general is also a Cossack, then wouldn't his characterization of Ivan also apply to him? Contrast this with your initial impression of the general based on his manner of speaking and his appearance.

Both the general and his servant Ivan are Cossacks. However, this is how Zaroff chooses to describe Ivan:

"Ivan is an incredibly strong fellow," remarked the general, "but he has the misfortune to be deaf and dumb. A simple fellow, but, I'm afraid, like all his race, a bit of a savage."  

"Is he Russian?"  

"He is a Cossack," said the general, and his smile showed red lips and pointed teeth. "So am I."

Notice that Zaroff calls Ivan a savage, attributing that to his race. Shortly afterwards, he reveals he is a Cossack himself, while smiling. We can see the general is playing games with Rainsford. He comes across as an educated, wealthy man who is also prejudiced to, all of a sudden, call himself a savage. In a way, he feels superior to Ivan. However, he relates to the savage side of their race (this is not my opinion, it is the character's).

This contrast serves to show that the general has a sort of bestial side to him. He is an intelligent man who does not hesitate to kill other men just for fun. There is no humanity in him, even though he is apparently human. His manner and appearance are a disguise. Inside, Zaroff is worse than an animal, for even animals only kill their own species out of necessity.