Final answer:
The General seems to be studying Rainsford during their first dinner together in the story 'The Most Dangerous Game'. This is driven by the General's sadistic pleasure in hunting humans and his assessment of Rainsford's capabilities for the deadly game that follows.
Step-by-step explanation:
During their first dinner together, the General seems to be studying Rainsford in the story 'The Most Dangerous Game' by Richard Connell. This is evident from the General's keen observation and interest in Rainsford's reactions and statements. The General's study of Rainsford is driven by his sadistic pleasure in hunting humans, and he is assessing Rainsford's mental and physical capabilities to determine if he would be a challenging opponent in the deadly game that unfolds later in the story.