It is clear from his first entrance that Zaroff is an
elegant, refined man. He is described as "an erect, slender man in evening clothes" who
speaks in a "cultivated voice marked by a slight accent" and in a manner that gives his
speech "added precision and deliberateness." At first, General Zaroff therefore appears
to be quite the gentleman, entertaining Rainsford in his "palatial chateau" and swapping
hunting stories, but of course, he shows his "darker" side when he reveals his latest
"game" of choice - humans.
It is this chillingly evil side
that comes to dominate the story, as we realise he has fashioned Ship-Trap Island to do
exactly as its name suggests. He places false lights to tempt ships in to a false
channel where the unfortunate ships will be crushed by "giant rocks with razor edges"
which "crouch like a sea monster with wide-open
jaws."
Interestingly, once the "game" has begun, Zaroff
plays with Rainsford, letting him go three times, before the finale. From Zaroff's
perspective, the "strong" are able to use the "weak" for their own pleasure and
enjoyment. His justification of the "game" is interesting to
observe:
"Life is for the strong, to be lived by the
strong, and if need be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give
the strong please. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift? If I wish to hunt, why
should I not?"
Power and
skill, according to Zaroff, obviously give him the right to hunt as he wishes. What is
interesting about this story is how the description of him as an urbane, civilised and
intelligent man stands in brutal contrast to Zaroff's propensity to kill and
murder.
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