The Sniper Literary Analysis

A Sniper's Precision: A Literary Analysis of Liam O'Flaherty's "The Sniper"

Liam O'Flaherty's "The Sniper" is a powerful short story that transcends its seemingly simple premise – a deadly standoff between two opposing snipers during the Irish Civil War. Beyond the thrilling action, the story offers a compelling exploration of themes such as dehumanization, moral ambiguity, and the psychological toll of violence. This analysis will delve into the story's key elements, exploring its narrative structure, character development, symbolism, and thematic resonance.

I. Setting the Stage: Dublin's Civil War Backdrop

The story's setting is crucial to understanding its impact. O'Flaherty vividly depicts the chaotic and brutal atmosphere of Dublin during the Irish Civil War. The city becomes a battleground, a stage for a conflict fueled by ideological division and simmering resentment. The physical environment mirrors the internal conflict within the sniper himself. The dilapidated buildings, the shadowy streets, and the constant threat of death create a sense of tension and claustrophobia, reflecting the psychological pressures faced by the protagonist. The specific setting is not just a backdrop; it's an active participant shaping the characters' actions and emotions.

II. Character Study: The Dehumanization of the Sniper

The unnamed sniper is the story's central figure. Initially presented as a cold, calculating killer, his humanity gradually emerges throughout the narrative. O'Flaherty skillfully portrays the sniper's internal conflict, his struggle between his duty and his conscience. He's not a simple villain but a complex character grappling with the moral implications of his actions. The meticulous description of his actions, from his careful aim to his calculated movements, highlights his professionalism, yet also underscores his detachment from the consequences of his violence. For instance, the almost clinical description of his killing of the old woman highlights his dehumanization of both his target and himself. He becomes a machine, focused on the task at hand, rather than the human cost of his actions.

III. Symbolism: Mirrors, Guns, and the City

Symbolism is richly embedded within "The Sniper." The recurring motif of the mirror reflects the sniper's fractured self-image. His reflection becomes a symbol of his own duality – the professional killer versus the human being struggling with guilt and uncertainty. The gun itself is a potent symbol, representing both power and destruction. It's a tool that both empowers and isolates the sniper, reinforcing his detachment from humanity. Finally, the city of Dublin acts as a symbolic representation of the fractured state of Ireland itself, torn apart by internal conflict. The sniper, caught in the middle, represents the divided nation's struggle for identity and peace.

IV. Narrative Structure and Suspense

O'Flaherty masterfully employs a tightly structured narrative. The story unfolds in a suspenseful, almost cinematic fashion, with short, sharp sentences building the tension. The pacing is deliberate, gradually revealing information about the sniper's internal struggles and external circumstances. The climax of the story, the brotherly revelation, is both shocking and emotionally impactful, showcasing O'Flaherty's skill in manipulating the reader's expectations. The sudden shift from intense action to a moment of profound personal revelation creates a lasting impact.

V. Thematic Resonance: War, Morality, and Identity

The overarching themes of "The Sniper" resonate long after the story's conclusion. The dehumanizing effects of war are vividly portrayed, showcasing how conflict can erode morality and create moral ambiguity. The sniper's internal conflict reveals the psychological toll of violence and the challenges of reconciling one's actions with one's conscience. The story also subtly explores themes of national identity and the complexities of political conflict within a society. The brotherly twist at the end throws into stark relief the senselessness of the conflict, underscoring the destructive power of ideological divisions.

Summary:

"The Sniper" is a masterclass in short-story writing. O'Flaherty utilizes a compelling narrative structure, vivid imagery, and powerful symbolism to explore the devastating consequences of war and the psychological toll it takes on individuals. The story's exploration of dehumanization, moral ambiguity, and the search for identity makes it a timeless and thought-provoking work of literature that continues to resonate with readers today.

FAQs:

1. What is the main conflict in "The Sniper"? The main conflict is the external physical battle between the sniper and his enemy, but also the internal psychological conflict within the sniper himself, a struggle between his duty and his conscience.

2. What is the significance of the brotherly revelation at the end? It highlights the senselessness of the war and the devastating consequences of internal conflict, underscoring the tragedy of fratricide.

3. How does O'Flaherty create suspense in the story? He uses short, sharp sentences, vivid imagery, and a deliberate pacing to build tension and keep the reader engaged.

4. What are the major symbols in the story? Key symbols include the mirror (representing the sniper's fragmented self), the gun (representing power and destruction), and the city of Dublin (representing the fractured state of Ireland).

5. What is the overall message or theme of "The Sniper"? The story explores the dehumanizing effects of war, the moral ambiguities of conflict, and the psychological toll of violence. It underscores the tragedy of needless conflict and the importance of empathy and understanding.

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The Sniper Literary Analysis - 452 Words - Internet Public Library The novel “The Sniper” shows us how war can cause family to kill each other. Imagine the pain the boy felt when he found out he killed his brother, unimaginable pain must’ve ran threw his body. For instance, War can make a family lie to each other.

The Sniper Analysis - 1187 Words | Internet Public Library "The Sniper ̈ by Liam O’Flaherty is a short story about a sniper who was in war, when he saw an old woman point at him he shot her, and while doing that he got shot in the forearm. The sniper tricks his enemy by taking his cap off then he puts it over his rifle to make it look like a person.

The Sniper: Main Ideas - SparkNotes The sniper’s duties, in turn, lead the protagonist to dehumanize himself and others, an attitude that he will eventually regret and abandon. He acts without thinking, firing on and killing the old woman and the man in the armored car’s turret, without indicating any concern.

The Sniper Analysis - eNotes.com Author Liam O’Flaherty examines war’s devastating effects on men through description, characterization, symbolism, and a limited third-person narrative style. O’Flaherty’s presentation of graphic...

The Sniper: Study Guide - SparkNotes Read the free full text, the full story summary, the full story analysis, and explanations of important quotes from “The Sniper.”

The Sniper Summary and Study Guide | SuperSummary Get ready to explore The Sniper and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

'The Sniper': A Literary Analysis - 462 Words - StudyMode In the realistic fiction story “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty there is a war. Based in Dublin, the Republicans and Free Staters are not at peace. In fact, they are in the war. This war is tearing families and friends apart because of their own beliefs.

“The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty: A Critical Analysis 25 Mar 2024 · Literary Theories and Interpretation of “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty. 1. Realism: Focus on social realities: The story reflects the harsh realities of the Irish Civil War. Details like rationing food, constant gunfire, and the sniper’s ruthlessness paint a picture of a brutal conflict.

The Sniper Literary Analysis - 433 Words - Internet Public Library "The Sniper ̈ by Liam O’Flaherty is a short story about a sniper who was in war, when he saw an old woman point at him he shot her, and while doing that he got shot in the forearm. The sniper tricks his enemy by taking his cap off then he puts it over his rifle to make it look like a person.

The Sniper Summary & Analysis - LitCharts Need help with The Sniper in Liam O’Flaherty's The Sniper? Check out our revolutionary side-by-side summary and analysis.

Lesson Plan: Analyzing “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty 4 Feb 2025 · Write a 500-word literary analysis essay on how O’Flaherty conveys the futility of civil war in The Sniper. Consider the following points: How does the author’s use of setting contribute to the overall mood of the story? Analyze the protagonist’s character development throughout the narrative.

The Sniper Literary Analysis ENG112 - Lyndsey Taylor Dr Analysis of Imagery in “The Sniper” As tensions rise during war, choices are made, and decisions can be clouded. “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty describes an event experienced by a sniper on a rooftop against his opposing sniper during the Irish Civil War. After the sniper becomes injured from gunfire due to

The Sniper: Full Story Analysis - SparkNotes In Liam O’Flaherty’s story “The Sniper,” the historical conflict of the Battle of the Four Courts in June 1922 reflects the effects of the Irish Civil War (1922–1923). The story explores interpersonal conflicts among Irish citizens, as well as the internal conflicts that plagued individuals who participated in the violence.

The Sniper Story Analysis - SuperSummary Get ready to explore The Sniper and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Sniper | Summary and Analysis - Litmarked 11 Jun 2023 · The Sniper – Literary devices. Liam O’Flaherty employs literary devices like imagery, foreshadowing and symbolism in his short story ‘The Sniper’. The use of imagery helps to describe the destruction and atmosphere caused due to the civil war in Dublin.

The Sniper | Analysis - Studienett.no The analysis of the short story “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty shows that it follows a linear, chronological plot structure. The events take place over the course of a few hours, and the action is fast and urgent.

Literary analysis: The Sniper, by Liam O'Flaherty - Studocu The Sniper' is a short story written by Liam O'Flaherty. The story is about a civil war taking place in Dublin. The Sniper' is the main character, and is hiding on the rooftop of a building near to O'Connel Bridge.

Dehumanization and Loss in O'Flaherty's "The Sniper" Analysis 5 Dec 2024 · In "The Sniper", Liam O'Flaherty describes the dehumanizing effects of war, showing how conflict strips people of their humanity, scratches or damages social knowledge, and trust, and ruins personal connections with others and one’s self.

The Sniper Study Guide | Literature Guide - LitCharts The best study guide to The Sniper on the planet, from the creators of SparkNotes. Get the summaries, analysis, and quotes you need.

Analysis of 'The Sniper' by Liam O Flaherty - UK Essays 21 Jul 2021 · In the anti-war short story “The Sniper” written by Liam O Flaherty, a Republican sniper embraces his rifle and conceals on the roof top without a sound, waiting to kill his enemies. The sniper accidentally gives away his location when he lights up a cigarette and exposes himself to the enemy sniper on the opposite roof.

The Sniper Literary Analysis

A Sniper's Precision: A Literary Analysis of Liam O'Flaherty's "The Sniper"

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