Jason Stewart

English 9, Period 5

October 4, 2003

Interview with Sanger Rainsford

from Richard Connell’s “The Most Dangerous Game”

Me:   Mr. Rainsford, I understand that you recently went through a very terrifying   ordeal on the appropriately named “Ship-Trap” Island.   How are you feeling?

Rainsford:   It was definitely the most frightening thing I’ve ever been through, but I’m just glad it’s over.

Me:   I’m glad to see that you’re recovering.   Tell me, have any of your views on the world changed?

Rainsford:   I’ve always known that there were a lot of demented people out there, but General Zaroff really takes home the prize.   I can’t even begin to imagine how someone could hunt down other human beings like animals.   It’s a very troubling thing to contemplate.

Me:   Mr. Rainsford, I’ve heard that you once said that evil was a tangible thing.   Do you think that this proves that?

Rainsford:   Yes,   I believe that was proven when my fist connected with his jaw [Rainsford forces a chuckle, then sighs].   That man, if he can truly be called that,   was the very embodiment of evil.   I can’t begin to see how anyone can cast away his humanity like that, how anyone can sadistically kill his fellow man for entertainment.

Me:   Do you still hunt, Mr. Rainsford?

Rainsford:   After it was over, I went to the Amazon and tried to hunt a few jaguars with my friend Whitney, but after I’d tracked one for a few hours and finally had him in my sights, preparing to pull the trigger, I remembered how I had felt when it was me on the other end of the gun.   I just couldn’t do it.   I could never hunt again after that.

Me:   Do you feel that Zaroff got what he deserved?

Rainsford: No, a thousand deaths wouldn’t be punishment enough for that thing that called itself a man.   Even so, I can’t help but wonder how he became the monster that he was.

Me:   Do you have any regrets whatsoever about the ordeal?

Rainsford: Only that he wasn’t stopped sooner.   Who knows how many people he’d killed?   Dozens? Scores? Hundreds?   I try not to think of it.

Me: Well, it’s been a pleasure interviewing you, Mr. Rainsford.   I hope we can talk about this more someday.

Rainsford:   Thank you for interviewing me.   I’m glad I could let some of these feelings out.