The Sniper by Liam O'Flaherty Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Where does the action take place?

Dublin, Ireland, early 1920's, during the time of the Irish Civil War, on a rooftop.

What time of day is it?

Nighttime (twilight)

What happens to the old woman who informs on the sniper?

She dies and falls into a gutter.

How is the sniper injured?

He is shot in his right arm. Signup and view all the answers

How does the sniper's injury affect him?

He is unable to fire his gun. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it impossible for the sniper to leave the roof?

Because there are other snipers aimed at him from opposite rooftops. Signup and view all the answers

How does the sniper trick the enemy sniper?

He balances his hat on his gun and pretends to be dead. Signup and view all the answers

How does the sniper kill the enemy sniper?

He shoots him after following through with his plan. Signup and view all the answers

What does the sniper discover at the end of the story?

The other sniper was his brother. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the protagonist?

The Republican Sniper. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the antagonist?

The Enemy Sniper. Signup and view all the answers

What is the conflict?

The Republican Sniper has been shot and cannot get off of the roof. Signup and view all the answers

What is the climax?

The sniper shoots the enemy sniper. Signup and view all the answers

What is the resolution?

He discovers that the enemy sniper was his brother. Signup and view all the answers

What is the theme?

War is senseless. Signup and view all the answers

What is the point of view?

Third person limited. Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone/mood?

Danger, stress, anxiety. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of foreshadowing in 'The Sniper'?

When the sniper approaches the body of the enemy sniper and wonders if it could be someone he knew. Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of imagery in 'The Sniper'?

'Dublin lay enveloped in darkness but for the dim light of the moon...' Signup and view all the answers

What is an example of symbolism in 'The Sniper'?

The sniper carries the pistol for close-range combat. Signup and view all the answers

What is the irony in 'The Sniper'?

He kills his own brother. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'beleaguered' mean?

Attacked Signup and view all the answers

What does 'turret' refer to?

A tank door Signup and view all the answers

What is the Liffey?

A river that runs through Dublin. Signup and view all the answers

What are the Four Courts?

Government buildings under Dublin attack. Signup and view all the answers

What is a parapet?

A tall, protective wall/barrier along a rooftop. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'ascetic' suggest?

Severe self-discipline. Signup and view all the answers

What is an informer?

Someone who tells where snipers are hidden. Signup and view all the answers

What is a ruse?

A plan or trick on purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What is a proxism?

A jolt of violence (usually when someone is hit). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting

Takes place in Dublin, Ireland during the early 1920s.
Set amid the Irish Civil War, emphasizing the chaos and conflict.
Action unfolds on a rooftop, highlighting the vantage point and danger.

Time of Day

The story occurs at twilight, enhancing the mood of tension and uncertainty.

Key Characters

Protagonist: The Republican Sniper.
Antagonist: The Enemy Sniper, revealed to have a personal connection to the protagonist.

Plot Events

An informer (an old woman) is shot and falls into a gutter, illustrating the dangers inherent in conflict and betrayal.
The sniper is shot in his right arm, rendering him unable to fire his gun and adding to his vulnerability.
Trapped on the rooftop, the sniper must strategize to survive against opposing snipers aiming at him.

Conflict

The central conflict arises from the sniper's injury and his inability to leave the rooftop safely without being shot.

Climax and Resolution

Climax occurs when the sniper successfully shoots the enemy sniper using a clever ruse involving his hat to feign death.
The resolution reveals a tragic twist: the enemy sniper is his brother, symbolizing the senseless nature of war.

Themes

The overarching theme conveys that war is senseless, emphasizing the personal losses and tragedies that accompany conflict.

Literary Elements

The story is told from a third-person limited point of view, focusing primarily on the protagonist's experience and emotions.
The tone reflects danger, stress, and anxiety, effectively immersing readers in the sniper’s perilous situation.

Imagery and Symbolism

Vivid imagery depicts Dublin enveloped in darkness, creating a foreboding atmosphere.
The pistol carried by the sniper symbolizes the immediate danger of the civil war, representing conflict that is close to home.

Foreshadowing and Irony

Foreshadowing is evident when the sniper considers if the fallen enemy could be someone he knows, later discovered to be his brother.
The story's irony lies in the tragic outcome of the protagonist unknowingly killing his brother, highlighting the futility of war.

Vocabulary

Beleaguered: Under attack, highlighting the sniper's vulnerable situation.
Turret: Refers to a protective structure, emphasizing combat elements.
Liffey: A river in Dublin, adding local contextual detail.
Four Courts: Government buildings in Dublin, indicating the political backdrop of the conflict.
Parapet: A protective wall on the rooftop, symbolizing the defensive nature of the sniper's position.
Ascetic: Reflects the severe self-discipline required of the sniper amidst chaos.
Informer: Someone disloyal in conflict, crucial for understanding the dynamics of betrayal.
Ruse: The sniper’s cunning plan to deceive the enemy.
Paroxysm: Describes violent jolts during combat, emphasizing the chaotic nature of war.

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Description

Test your knowledge of Liam O'Flaherty's short story 'The Sniper' with these flashcards. Explore key elements such as the setting, time of day, and important plot points. Perfect for students preparing for literature discussions or exams.