The Sniper Themes
The three main themes in “The Sniper” are civil war, warfare, and survival and isolation.
- Civil war: The story takes place during the Irish Civil War and shows how the war has caused deep divisions in Irish society, with brothers fighting on opposite sides.
- Warfare: O’Flaherty traces the emotional changes that warfare causes in the protagonist, from excitement to remorse and back again.
- Survival and isolation: The sniper, who is isolated on the rooftop, is driven to kill the other sniper by his desire to survive.
Themes: All Themes
Themes: Civil War
The intertwined themes of civil strife and warfare are prominently featured in "The Sniper." The narrative unfolds in Dublin, Ireland, amidst the Irish Civil War. This conflict erupted in 1922 after the Irish Parliament decided to accept the Anglo-Irish Treaty, which split Ireland into northern and southern regions. Before the treaty, Irish nationalists had united against a common adversary: the British or Northern Irish Protestants who supported...
(Read more)Themes: Warfare
Several crucial aspects of the story illustrate the peculiar nature of warfare. The sniper experiences a variety of emotions that might seem strange to those who haven't faced battle. At the beginning of the story, while on watch, the sniper feels “too excited to eat.” Just before he takes aim at the enemy sniper, his “hand trembled with eagerness.” After successfully hitting his target, he “uttered a cry of joy.” O'Flaherty uses positive,...
(Read more)Themes: Survival and Isolation
The story is saturated with the theme of survival. Before the sniper eliminates any Free State soldiers, he is acutely aware that “there were enemies watching.” His actions are driven by the instinct to survive, necessitating the removal of anyone who threatens his existence. This includes the soldier manning the armored tank and even an elderly woman who, with a few words and a pointed finger, becomes an informer.
The sniper's main adversary,...
(Read more)Themes: Dehumanization
In "The Sniper," dehumanization is a central theme, highlighting the brutal effects of war on individuals. The story illustrates how war strips away personal identities, reducing people to mere targets. Through the use of language and narrative techniques, O'Flaherty effectively communicates this theme, showing how the characters are dehumanized by their roles in the conflict.
One of the most striking aspects of the story is the absence of names...
(Read more)Themes: Violence
The theme of violence in "The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty highlights the futility and destructiveness of war. Set during the Irish Civil War, the story portrays the devastating impact of violence on individuals and families. Through the experiences of the protagonist, a Republican sniper, the narrative reveals the personal and emotional costs of war, emphasizing its senselessness and the lasting scars it leaves on those involved.
The story begins...
(Read more)Expert Q&A
What details identify the story's setting? How does the sniper's interaction with the old woman develop the theme? How does withholding details contribute to suspense? What's the connection between the sniper's "ruse" and the enemy being hit? How do the sniper's "cry of joy" and remorse contribute to character development?
The story is set in Dublin during the Irish Civil War, highlighting its chaotic and violent atmosphere. The sniper's interaction with the old woman, whom he kills, underscores the theme of war's dehumanizing effects, treating all as mere targets. Withholding details creates suspense by delaying the outcome of actions. The sniper's ruse leads to his enemy's exposure and death, illustrating tactical cunning. His "cry of joy" and subsequent remorse reveal his complex humanity, contrasting his role as a killer.
Conflict Resolution and Theme in "The Sniper"
"The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty explores multiple conflicts set during the Irish Civil War, primarily focusing on man versus man as the protagonist, a Republican sniper, engages in a lethal battle with an opposing sniper who is later revealed to be his brother. This conflict highlights the brutal reality of civil wars, where familial bonds are shattered. Additionally, the story delves into internal conflict, as the protagonist struggles with remorse and the moral implications of his actions amidst the violence and chaos of war.
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