Vocabulary in The Most Dangerous Game

“Burmese tiger pit” refers to the trap that Rainsford constructed in an effort to kill Zaroff. Rainsford’s and Zaroff’s both being familiar with a Burmese tiger pit suggests that each of them is knowledgeable about hunting practices throughout the world, and it may imply that they have both hunted tigers in Burma. Their knowledge and experiences as hunters make them equal adversaries. This characterization was established previously in the story when Zaroff recognized the Malay man-catcher trap Rainsford had constructed.

“Precariously” means in a way that is not safe, certain, or steady. The “huge dead tree” could fall at any moment, endangering Rainsford, as the sound would give away his location.

“Zealous” means fervent, passionate, wholehearted, and vigorous. Zaroff’s being a zealous hunter makes him an especially dangerous foe for Rainsford.

A haversack is a small, study bag, often made of canvas, that has one strap and is carried on the back or over a shoulder. Zaroff sends Rainsford off with a supply of food to even the odds in Zaroff’s deadly game.

“Au revoir” is a French expression of good wishes that means goodbye or until we meet again. Zaroff’s using the French phrase indicates once again that he is a sophisticated man of the world, but in context, it is quite ironic, since Zaroff intends to kill Rainsford upon meeting him again during the hunt.

Veuve Cliquot is a fine French Champagne that dates back to the 1800s and was favored by European and Russian royalty and upper classes. Zaroff’s drinking Veuve Cliquot suggests that he still identifies with the aristocracy, which is consistent with his sense of superiority.

A sloop is a small sailboat. Needing a sailboat to reach the mainland stresses that Zaroff’s island is isolated from society, making it possible for him to carry on his hunting “game” without interference.

Chablis is a dry white wine made in eastern France. Zaroff’s having fine French wine at his chateau is another indication of his wealth and refined tastes.

Crêpes Suzette is a dessert created in Paris in 1895 and first served to the Prince of Wales. Made of thin pancakes covered with a sauce of caramelized (browned) sugar and fruit , it is topped with an orange-flavored liqueur. The dessert is presented at the table where the liqueur is set aflame. Offering a dessert that is served in the finest French restaurants supports Zaroff’s characterization as a cosmopolite.

“Ennui” is a feeling of listlessness and a lack of energy or spirit caused by having nothing to do that is interesting or exciting. In explaining what prompted him to devise such an evil pursuit, Zaroff reveals the depth of his narcissism; he chooses to capture, imprison, and murder other humans so that he has something exciting to do.

“Grotesque” means unnatural, strange, and distorted in some weird way. The word and its negative connotations contribute to the disturbing atmosphere of the scene between Zaroff and Rainsford.

As the word is used here, “strike” means to encounter or to run across. A tartar is a person from regions in Siberia and central Asia whose lineage included Mongols and Turks. Zaroff’s describing his “hunting” in such a matter-of-fact way is chilling.

A knout was a whip designed to inflict maximum pain that was used in Imperial Russia to flog criminals and political prisoners; a knouter was the person who used it in whipping them, often to death. Having been the Czar’s “official knouter” establishes that Ivan is violent and sadistic.

To hold one’s tongue is an expression that means to stop oneself from speaking. Rainsford forces himself to remain silent at this point and not argue further with Zaroff, perhaps because he had seen the glint of anger in Zaroff’s eyes and knows that he is in the presence of a very dangerous man.

“Providence” can be defined as fate, as destiny, or as God’s directing what happens in the world. In declaring that when providence doesn’t work in his favor, he takes action to get what he wants, Zaroff reveals his arrogance and immense ego.

“Scruples” are feelings of doubt or hesitation regarding the morality of some action. Having no moral code of his own, Zaroff dismisses Rainsford’s moral code as being faulty.

“Grisly” means horrifying and disgusting. When Rainsford understands what Zaroff is saying, he is appalled and believes Zaroff can’t be serious.

“Bewilderment” means mental confusion. Rainsford is unable to make sense of what Zaroff is saying.

In context, “capital” means first-rate or excellent. Zaroff introduces the idea of Rainsford hunting with him on the island.

A filet mignon is a type of steak made from an expensive, choice cut of beef. Zaroff’s serving Rainsford a filet mignon for dinner is another example of Zaroff’s wealthy lifestyle.

A cosmopolite is someone who is sophisticated—someone who has traveled the world and is polished and refined. Zaroff’s being worldly and sophisticated, yet choosing to live in isolation, makes him an even more mysterious figure.

“Affable” means warm, friendly, or pleasant. This description of Zaroff conflicts with his disturbing physical appearance, suggesting that he may not be what he seems to be.

“Amenities” refers to things that provide comfort, convenience, or pleasure. Zaroff’s desiring to have “the amenities of civilization” emphasizes the isolation of his chateau and Rainsford’s now being cut off from civilization, suggesting perhaps that he is now in an uncivilized place.

“Baronial” means large, grand, impressive, and suitable for a baron; barons are members of England’s nobility. The description stresses again the size and grandeur of Zaroff’s chateau, suggesting that he is a man of enormous wealth.

“Medieval” is an allusion to the Middle Ages, also known as the medieval period in European history that lasted from the 5th century through the 1400s. The allusion calls to mind the resplendent art and majestic architecture of the period, such as huge stone cathedrals with expansive stained glass windows, paintings, and sculptures. The allusion suggests that Zaroff’s chateau is opulent and richly appointed.

Cossacks were members of several ethnic groups in southern Russia and adjacent parts of Asia. Skilled horsemen and fierce warriors often known for their brutality, many Cossacks fought in the armies of Russian czars. Ivan’s being a Cossack suggests he is a dangerous man.

“Bizarre” means very strange or unusual. This descriptive detail is an early indication that there is something very disturbing about Zaroff.

“Menacing” means threatening and suggests the presence of imminent danger. The description adds to the growing sense that although Rainsford survived falling into the sea and managed to make his way to the island, he is still in peril.

A gargoyle is a grotesque, frightening representation of a human face or an animal carved out of stone. The oldest gargoyle is 13,000 years old. Over time, gargoyles inspired many myths and legends, such as the belief that they ward off evil spirits or the belief that they themselves are evil, demonic beings. The gargoyle on the door is “leering” at those who approach the chateau, looking at them in a malicious way. This descriptive detail makes the chateau seem creepy and ominous.

A chateau is a large French country house or castle. Rainsford’s finding a chateau on an island in the Caribbean again adds to the island’s mystery.

As “quarry” is used here, it refers to an animal pursued by a hunter. The word has great significance as the story continues.

“Crimson” is a deep red color. The deep red stain on the weeds implies that they have been stained by blood. The detail suggests that physical violence has taken place on the island, perhaps reminding readers of the gun shots Rainsford had heard earlier.

“Lacerated” means torn or cut deeply. Moss has a naturally dense and smooth surface. This description of the moss suggests that something or someone has crashed through the trees and weeds, adding to the island’s mystery.

“Vigor” is defined as physical strength and energy. Rainsford’s strength and his ability to carry on after a near-death experience are character traits that are further revealed as the story continues.

“Opaqueness” is a lack of transparency that makes it impossible to see through something. The darkness of the night prevents Rainsford from seeing the rocky shore clearly, further endangering him.

“Doggedly” means to do something with stubborn persistence and determination. The passage indicates that Rainsford does not give up easily when he is in a dangerous situation.

“Blood” is a word that often has strong negative connotations as well as a literal meaning, and both apply here in describing the sea. The sea’s literally being warm like blood indicates that the temperature of the water is not shocking to Rainsford when he goes overboard. However, the associations that “blood” has with wounds and death suggest danger and suffering, implying that Rainsford is in peril.

In context, “throb” refers to the steady, regular beat or sound of the ship’s engine as the ship moves through the sea. The sound is “muffled,” meaning muted or dulled. The sensory description contributes to the atmosphere of the dark, quiet tropical night.

The afterdeck is the deck located at the stern, or rear, of a ship. Rainsford’s choosing to sit on the afterdeck proves to be a fateful decision.

This refers to the Amazon River, which flows through the Amazon rainforest, located mainly in Brazil. Choosing to hunt jaguars in the Amazon rainforest supports the idea that Whitney and Rainsford are experienced and adventurous hunters.

“Caribbean” refers to a tropical region that consists of the Caribbean Sea, its islands, and the surrounding coasts. The Caribbean is southeast of the Gulf of Mexico and east of Central America. The mention of the Caribbean establishes the geographical location of the setting.

As “palpable” is used here, it means that the dark tropical night is so enveloping that it seems possible to physically touch it. The night is also described through personification; it “pressed its … blackness” over the yacht, as if the night acted with deliberation. The passage contributes to the forbidding atmosphere of the story’s setting.