What does the word scruples mean in this excerpt from The Most Dangerous Game?

Answer 1

Assuming you mean the first use of the word in the conversation where the General suggests the idea of hunting humans to Rainsford:

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"But no animal can reason," objected Rainsford.

"My dear fellow," said the general, "there is one that can."

"But you can't mean--" gasped Rainsford.

"And why not?"

"I can't believe you are serious, General Zaroff. This is a grisly joke."

"Why should I not be serious? I am speaking of hunting."

"Hunting? Great Guns, General Zaroff, what you speak of is murder."

The general laughed with entire good nature. He regarded Rainsford quizzically. "I refuse to believe that so modern and civilized a young man as you seem to be harbors romantic ideas about the value of human life. Surely your experiences in the war--"

"Did not make me condone cold-blooded murder," finished Rainsford stiffly.

Laughter shook the general. "How extraordinarily droll you are!" he said. "One does not expect nowadays to find a young man of the educated class, even in America, with such a naive, and, if I may say so, mid-Victorian point of view. It's like finding a snuffbox in a limousine. Ah, well, doubtless you had Puritan ancestors. So many Americans appear to have had. I'll wager you'll forget your notions when you go hunting with me. You've a genuine new thrill in store for you, Mr. Rainsford."

"Thank you, I'm a hunter, not a murderer."

"Dear me," said the general, quite unruffled, "again that unpleasant word. But I think I can show you that your scruples are quite ill founded."

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"scruples" means a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions

Answer 2

In the context of "The Most Dangerous Game," the word "scruples" refers to doubts or hesitations about committing a morally questionable act, such as hunting and killing other human beings for sport. It shows that the character is grappling with ethical concerns and struggling with the morality of the situation.

Answer 3

mental reservations about something one feels is wrong