Character Analysis of General Zaroff."The Most Dangerous Game"
...n, specially made in Moscow for me, to shoot sparrows. When I shot some of his prize turkeys with it, he did not punish me, but complimented me on my marksmanship.” Only an irresponsible parent would let a five year old run lose with a loaded gun. Having been exposed to guns and violence at such a young age has unlocked patterns of aggression throughout his life. He has an inner desire “Dark side” that drives him to kill. People are not born that way, they are taught. Zaroff continues, “My hand was made for the trigger, father said.” This kind of encouragement is not the kind of example a father should set for his child, except for the reason of preparing him for war. Complimenting him for shooting something he knew he was not supposed to, is a far cry from positive reinforcement. His father has imbedded in him, an almost, instinctual drive to hunt, which leads to the wickedness he partakes in. General Zaroff’s head injury could also bring about signs of insanity. A cape buffalo “hurled me against a tree and fractured my skull.” The brain, being such a sensitive and complicated organ, could have been damaged. Such a blow, which is often seen in car wrecks, may have given the general frontal lobe damage. This often leads to severe headaches as well as an altered personality. Many people suffering with this injury have uncontrollable mood swings. General Zaroff, by saying, “I was lying in my tent with a splitting headache one night when a terrible thought pushed its way into my mind.” reiterates this idea. General Zaroff’s accident, obviously, had some affect on his reasoning, and therefore contributed to the tactless acts he committed. General Zaroff, having fought in a very bloody war, has no value for human life. Fighting in the World Wars was no picnic. Many soldiers had to be sent to their deaths. Witnessing such atrocities desensitized General Zaroff’s concept on death. General Zaroff, in saying, “Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and if need be, taken by the strong. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift.” shows no respect for human life. He goes on to say “I hunt the scum of the earth – sailors from tamp ships – lascars, blacks, Chinese, whites, mongrels – a thoroughbred horse or hound is worth more than a score of them.” This mix between Social ...