Question

The question below refers to the selection "The Most Dangerous Game" by Richard Connell.




Read the following passage from the story carefully, and answer the question that follows.



The pent-up air burst hotly from Rainsford's lungs. His first thought made him feel sick and numb. The general could follow a trail through the woods at night; he could follow an extremely difficult trail; he must have uncanny powers; only by the merest chance had the Cossack failed to see his quarry.



Rainsford's second thought was even more terrible. It sent a shudder of cold horror through his whole being. Why had the general smiled? Why had he turned back?



Rainsford mentions that the General smiles. Why does the general smile? What is Rainsford's second thought and why is it "even more terrible"?

Answer 1

Since Rainsford was found by the General so easily, the General wanted to have more fun and allowed him to go, which showed his smile. The General was a cunning man and he wanted to have more fun in the game so he gave Rainsford another chance to go and let him have another hunt. The General had something in mind and Rainsford thought he was going to die instantly and easily because he was up against the General.