The Sniper by Liam O'Flaherty Flashcards

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.

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.