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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Why does Zaroff no longer hunt tigers?
(a) He was wounded by a tiger.
(b) There are not enough tigers left to hunt them easily.
(c) They do not challenge him enough.
(d) He came to understand that they have feelings and thoughts, just like people.

2. When, on page 7, Rainsford "indolently [puffs] on his favorite brier," what is he doing?
(a) Thoughtfully smoking a cigarette.
(b) Eagerly smoking a cigarette.
(c) Vigorously smoking a pipe.
(d) Lazily smoking a pipe.

3. As Rainsford nears the island, what does he hear?
(a) A splash as if something has fallen in the water.
(b) Recorded music.
(c) A scream and a gunshot.
(d) The sound of his ship hitting the rocks.

4. Where are Rainsford and his partner headed?
(a) To Port Moresby.
(b) To Rio.
(c) To South Africa.
(d) To Ecuador.

5. On page 33, the narrator mentions that Zaroff has "surmounted" an obstacle. What has Zaroff done?
(a) Created an obstacle.
(b) Overcome an obstacle.
(c) Given up because of an obstacle.
(d) Avoided an obstacle.

Short Answer Questions

1. In what region is the island located?

2. What is the name of the island on which the story takes place?

3. On page 1, the narrator says that the night "was palpable as it pressed its thick warm blackness in upon the yacht." What literary technique is being employed in this phrase?

4. What is the name of General Zaroff's servant?

5. Why did Zaroff leave Russia?

Short Essay Questions

1. What does Rainsford find in the jungle as he is walking toward Zaroff's house, and what does he conclude from it?

2. What warning signs are present in Zaroff's banter about Cossacks?

3. How does the discussion of the Cape buffalo introduce a possible meaning of the story's title?

4. Once he falls overboard, what does Rainsford do and what does it show about his character?

5. In what ways does Zaroff show himself to be a good host?

6. Describe the physical setting of Ship-Trap Island.

7. Describe the first encounter between Rainsford and Ivan.

8. What clues does Connell give right away that the relationship between Ivan and Zaroff developed in the military?

9. Describe General Zaroff's house.

10. Describe Zaroff's dining room.

(see the answer keys)

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