After Zaroff introduces himself to Rainsford, he graciously provides him with dinner. During the meal, the general is “studying him, appraising him narrowly,” (Connell 7). To put it differently, during the meal, Zaroff is examining and valuing Rainsford. This shows that Zaroff is scrutinizing Rainsford to see if he is worthy of whatever the general plans for him to do. Zaroff sees himself as above the vast majority of people. Despite that, he still believes it would be a great honor to hunt with Rainsford. But, before he will do so, Zaroff must verify that Rainsford deserves it. Zaroff is giving Rainsford the what the general believes to be a privilege to hunt living people. The fact that Zaroff, a preeminent aristocrat, is allowing someone
