Civilized Case

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.