How does Rainsford's opinion on animals change throughout the story?*5 pointsAt first, Rainsford believes only humans can feel it, but in the end, he agrees with Whitney that animals can also feel "fear of pain" (Paragraph 13).At first, Rainsford thinks there is only one rational animal, humans, but then he discovers the new animal that Zaroff has "invented" (Paragraph 100).At first, Rainsford believes humans are smarter than animals, but then he sees that some humans are actually "a very inferior lot" (Paragraph 131).At first, Rainsford sees animals only as prizes for human hunters, but later, Rainsford sympathizes with the animal "at bay" when he, too, becomes the hunted (Paragraph 204).
Question
How does Rainsford's opinion on animals change throughout the story?*5 pointsAt first, Rainsford believes only humans can feel it, but in the end, he agrees with Whitney that animals can also feel "fear of pain" (Paragraph 13).At first, Rainsford thinks there is only one rational animal, humans, but then he discovers the new animal that Zaroff has "invented" (Paragraph 100).At first, Rainsford believes humans are smarter than animals, but then he sees that some humans are actually "a very inferior lot" (Paragraph 131).At first, Rainsford sees animals only as prizes for human hunters, but later, Rainsford sympathizes with the animal "at bay" when he, too, becomes the hunted (Paragraph 204).
Solution
In the beginning of the story, Rainsford holds the belief that only humans are capable of experiencing fear and pain. However, as the story progresses, he comes to agree with Whitney's perspective that animals too can feel "fear of pain" (Paragraph 13).
Initially, Rainsford is of the opinion that humans are the only rational beings. This belief is challenged when he learns about the new animal that Zaroff has "invented" (Paragraph 100).
Rainsford starts off with the assumption that humans are intellectually superior to animals. However, his experiences lead him to realize that some humans are actually "a very inferior lot" (Paragraph 131).
At the start, Rainsford views animals merely as trophies for human hunters. But as the story unfolds, he finds himself empathizing with the animal "at bay" when he himself becomes the hunted (Paragraph 204).
In conclusion, Rainsford's opinions about animals undergo a significant transformation throughout the story. His experiences force him to reassess his initial beliefs and assumptions about animals and their capabilities.
Similar Questions
Why does Zaroff likely show Rainsford the dogs?*5 pointsto boast about his dog-breeding skillsto show Rainsford that he loves his petsto warn Rainsford not to provoke themto make sure Rainsford knows he cannot escape
What does Rainsford do on the first night of the hunt?*5 pointsHe creates a winding, confusing trail to throw off Zaroff.He cannot decide whether to act like a fox or a cat.He puts as much distance as possible between himself and Zaroff on the island.He climbs a tree and stays up there, knowing that Zaroff would be able to follow any trail he created.
How are the General and Rainsford alike?*5 pointsThey care deeply about hunting, big game especially.They both like to display their kills.They agree it is best to hunt a variety of animals.They both live for danger.
"He had never slept in a better bed, Rainsford decided." (Paragraph 207) What is the overall effect of the last line of the story?*5 pointsThe last line leaves the reader to infer that Rainsford has killed Zaroff, contrasting Zaroff's chilling death with Rainsford's rewarding night's sleep.The last line leaves the reader to conclude that Rainsford's dream while asleep on the yacht caused the events of this story to happen.The last line leaves the reader to infer that Rainsford has killed Zaroff, making the ending a triumphant victory for civilization and American values.The last line suggests that Rainsford likes the comforts of civilization better than nature and that civilization is man's place above nature.
Explain two contrasting beliefs about animal testing (4 marks)
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