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What are the two main things Rainsford and Whitney discuss on the boat, and why is one of these things so ironic in "The Most Dangerous Game" by...

En route to their hunting excursion in Brazil, Whitney and Rainsford discuss Ship-Trap Island and the hunter/prey relationship.


As they move through the dark sea, Whitney mentions that to their right is what the old charts call "Ship-Trap Island," adding that sailors have a dread of this place hidden in the dark. Whitney then observes that it will be light by the time they reach Rio de Janeiro, and Rainsford indicates his excitement about hunting jaguars:



"The best sport in the world"
"For the hunter," amended Whitney. "Not for the jaguar."
"....Who cares how a jaguar feels?"
"Perhaps the jaguar does," observed Whitney.
"Bah! They've no understanding."



Whitney counters that jaguars understand, at least, the fears of pain and death.


This last discussion is quite ironic because later in the narrative, Rainsford finds himself in the position of the jaguar he and Whitney have discussed. After falling off his ship and landing on Ship-Trap Island, Rainsford becomes the prey in the "most dangerous game" of General Zaroff, learning only too well the fears of pain and death. As the hounds chase Rainsford and howl when they catch a fresh scent of him, Rainsford "knew now how an animal at bay feels." In fact, when Rainsford finally manages to confront Zaroff in his bedchamber and the general congratulates him, "You have won the game," Rainsford demurs, "I am still a beast at bay..." He then challenges Zaroff to a duel so he may again play the role of predator.

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