Explain how Rainford's initial beliefs compare to Zaroff's statement that "life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if need be, taken by the strong."

Rainsford's initial comments to Whitney at the beginning of the story correspond to General Zaroff's statement:

Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if need be, taken by the strong. The weak of the world were put here to give the strong pleasure (Connell 8).

Before Rainsford swims to Ship-Trap Island, where he meets General Zaroff, he tells Whitney that the world is divided into two classes, namely, "the hunters and the huntees." Essentially, Rainsford's initial perspective regarding competition in life mirrors Zaroff's belief that the strong are meant to take advantage of the weak. However, Rainsford's perspective drastically changes after he becomes the prey on Zaroff's island. As Rainsford runs and hides throughout Ship-Trap Island in order to avoid the general, who is armed and hunting him, he experiences firsthand what it is like to be weak and hunted by a superior being. By the end of the story, Rainsford gains valuable insight into what it is like to be prey. Zaroff's mindset and beliefs prevent him from sympathizing with those less fortunate and support his criminal habit of killing defenseless human beings.