Rainsford was justified in killing general Zaroff. When Rainsford got knocked off the boat he swam until he got to land. After he got to land he noticed this palace. After he saw this palace he walked up to it, knocked on the door hoping they would provide him with the things he needs but little did he know the person he was about to meet was a murderer? At the door he met General Zaroff and Ivan. They met each other more and more and Zaroff told Rainsford about his “new animal”. He introduced it like a game but come to find out Rainsford is the one playing it. Rainsford wasn’t justified in killing Zaroff because “The weak of the world were out here to give the strong pleasure. I am strong. Why should I not use my gift? If I wish to hunt, why should I not? I hunt mongrels- a thoroughbred horse or hound is worth more than a score of them.”
“But they…show more content… This proves that Rainsford is justified in killing Zaroff because Zaroff says that killing the weak gives him pleasure. This means that general Zaroff is a murderer. Another reason Rainsford wasn't justified in killing general Zaroff is “The choice rests entirely with you. But may I not venture to suggest that you will find my ideas of sport more diverting that Ivans.” (Richard Connell 6). This quotes means that Zaroff chose Rainsford as his next hunting “animal.” This proves that general Rainsford is justified in killing general Zaroff because Zaroff was already planning on killing Rainsford from the beginning but he is just now telling Rainsford that he is the next person in the game. With Rainsford now knowing that Zaroff is going to kill him he has to find a way to defend himself, which is is why Rainsford killed Zaroff, he was defending himself. Others may say that Rainsford isn’t justified in killing Zaroff because Rainsford didn’t use self defense. He didn’t use self defense because Zaroff never physically tired to kill
