The Most Dangerous Game Socratic Circle

Reflect on the below questions for a class discussion. If you are absent, take a few minutes to consider the answers to the questions. 

1. What purpose does Whitney serve in the story? 
2. Explain the meaning of the story’s title. What is a “dangerous game” in our society? 
3. How are Rainsford and Zaroff alike and how are they different? 
4. Zaroff says, “We try to be civilized here.” Why does he believe this? What is absurd about this statement? 
5. What wins out in the end: instinct or reason? How does Rainsford survive? 
6. Does everyone follow the rules of the game? Any cheaters? Do rules count if only one person knows them? 
7. Who is more savage- animals or Zaroff? Why? 
8. Does Richard Connell appear to condemn hunting or condemn hunting animals- or both?