Final answer:
In the story, Rainsford changes his entire philosophy about hunting. At the beginning, he is excited about it, but after experiencing being hunted, he realizes its cruelty.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the story, Rainsford changes his entire philosophy about hunting. At the beginning of the story, Rainsford expresses his excitement about hunting by saying, 'My mind is busy with thoughts of hunting today.' This line shows his eagerness and enjoyment of hunting. However, toward the end of the story, Rainsford's perspective on hunting shifts dramatically. After experiencing the thrill and fear of being hunted himself by General Zaroff, Rainsford realizes the cruelty of hunting and says, 'I'm still a beast at bay; he no longer had the will to fight, and he scrambled back from the precipice.' This line demonstrates Rainsford's realization that he has become the prey and his desire to flee from the violence of the hunt.