1. Describe Rainsford's character--what inferences can you make about his personality?

2. Describe Zaroff's character. How is he different from Rainsford?

3. Explain the context and reflect on the following quotation: "'They can crush a ship as easily as I crush this nut.' He dropped a walnut on the hardwood floor and brought his heel grinding down on it. 'Oh yes,' he said casually, as if in answer to a question, 'I have electricity. We try to be civilized here.'"

4. What are your predictions for the rest of the story?