Question

I think the most obvious answer is near the end of the story when Rainsford confronts Zaroff in his bedroom. Zaroff tells Rainsford that he is free to go, since he won the game. At this point Rainsford has the opportunity to show his moral superiority to Zaroff, but instead, he chooses to continue the game.

Interestingly enough, after having killed Zaroff, Rainsford does NOT free the "prey" that Zarroff has been holding for future hunts. This inaction further supports the idea that Rainsford's confrontation with Zaroff is the climax of the story, since the possibility of his replacing Zaroff (symbolized by a comfortable night's sleep in Zaroff's bed) definitely indicates a change, or turning point, that takes place in Rainsford's character.

Throughout the story the audience has viewed Rainsford as different from Zaroff, but at the climax his true--or possibly his new character is revealed.

Answer 1

The climax in a story represents the turning point, involving the main conflict and potentially revealing character development or changes. In the story discussed, the climax is characterized by Rainsford's confrontation with Zaroff, which shifts his role and highlights his character transformation.

Step-by-step explanation:

The climax of a story is often understood as the turning point where the main conflict is at its highest tension and must come to a resolution. This central event can manifest in a variety of ways, including a decisive battle between the protagonist and antagonist, a significant internal struggle coming to a head, or an impactful epiphany that changes the character's course. In the context of the story in question, the climax reveals itself when Rainsford confronts Zaroff in his bedroom. It is not just a moment of high tension, but a revelatory instance that markedly displays a change or development in Rainsford's character, moving from a mere participant in the game to its master, embodying a shift that was foreshadowed throughout the rising action of the narrative.