Why Is General Zaroff Uncivilized

General Zaroff is uncivilized because he does not value human life. He constantly uses others for his own enjoyment, with no regard for their well-being. For one thing, when Rainsford confronts Zaroff about his behavior, Zaroff argues that “‘Life is for the strong, to be lived by the strong, and, if needed, to be taken by the strong… I am strong. Why should I not use my gift?’” (8). Zaroff’s declaration establishes that he does not believe that people’s lives are worth anything. He says that since he is ‘strong,’ others who are ‘weak’ should serve him, or allow him to do whatever he wants. This situation illustrates how he believes the world works, with him and the other ‘strong,’ or rich and powerful, at the top. Furthermore, later in that