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 union with England. However, once the treaty was signed, Irish animosity turned inward. In the following years, the Irish populace became deeply divided, with individuals even taking up arms against friends, family, and fellow countrymen.
O’Flaherty vividly sets the civil war scene in the opening paragraph with sensory descriptions such as the “heavy guns [that] roared” at the “beleaguered Four Courts” and “machine guns and rifles [that] broke the silence of the night, spasmodically, like dogs barking on lone farms.” He concludes this paragraph with a straightforward statement: “Republicans and Free Staters were waging civil war.” This factual declaration not only situates the conflict but also subtly underscores the devastation caused by the war.
Despite the story’s brevity, readers can infer that the Irish Civil War has significantly affected its protagonist. The portrayal of the sniper as having “the face of a student, thin and ascetic” implies he may have recently been a student now drawn into the conflict. War has changed him, as his “deep and thoughtful” eyes have grown “used to looking at death” and hold “the cold gleam of the fanatic” in his dedication to the Republican cause. The protagonist embodies many young men who have taken sides in this harsh civil war.
The story also highlights the profound divisions the civil war has sown within Irish society. After the sniper kills his adversary, he becomes curious about the man's identity. “He wondered did he know him,” and considers, “Perhaps he had been in his own company before the split in the army.” The final sentence reveals the devastating personal impact of the conflict: “Then the sniper turned over the dead body and looked into his brother’s face.” This line emphasizes how civil war can turn family members into foes and underscores the lasting consequences of a war that fractures society.
Expert Q&A
How does the sniper in the short story "The Sniper" feel after shooting his enemy and why does he want to know his victim's identity?
After shooting his enemy, the sniper feels extreme remorse, encompassing regret and guilt for his actions. He wants to know his victim's identity to pay respects and because he suspects he might know him. Eventually, he discovers that the enemy sniper was his own brother, highlighting his humanity and the personal cost of war.
Why does the sniper kill the old woman in "The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty?
In "The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty, the sniper kills the old woman because she is an informer for the Free State troops, posing a direct threat to his safety. She reveals his position to a soldier in an armored car, prompting him to eliminate both to protect his life. This incident occurs amidst the Irish Civil War, reflecting the harsh realities of conflict where loyalties are divided and survival becomes paramount.
What is the theme of war, especially civil war, in Liam O'Flaherty's "The Sniper"?
In "The Sniper," the theme of war, particularly civil war, highlights the futility and tragedy of conflict, where there are no true winners. The story illustrates how war dehumanizes individuals, leading to senseless violence and the loss of innocent lives. It emphasizes the personal toll of civil war, as seen when the sniper discovers he has killed his own brother, underscoring the deep divisions and emotional desensitization caused by such conflicts.
What does the quote "Only the dead have seen the end of the war" mean?
The quote "Only the dead have seen the end of the war" means that war is an enduring condition for humanity, and only the deceased are free from its horrors. Although often attributed to Plato, this idea remains relevant today. The story "The Sniper" illustrates this concept by showing the brutal realities of the Irish Civil War, where even brothers can become enemies.
What change occurs in the sniper after he kills his opponent?
After killing his opponent, the sniper experiences a profound change from initial joy to intense remorse and anger. He becomes "revolted" by the violence, curses the war, himself, and others, and throws his pistol in disgust. This emotional turmoil highlights the psychological impact of war, as the sniper transitions from excitement to being troubled and upset with his actions. His reaction underscores the heavy burden of taking human lives and the desire for the violence to end.
What are the sniper's feelings about the war at the story's start?
At the story's start, the sniper is depicted as highly committed to the war effort, showing a fanatic's zeal. He is methodical and unremorseful in his actions, reflecting his deep belief in the cause. Descriptions such as "the cold gleam of a fanatic" and his ascetic nature underscore his unwavering dedication to the Irish Civil War.
How does the sniper's interaction with the old woman in paragraphs 8 and 9 develop the story's theme?
The sniper's interaction with the old woman highlights the theme of war's moral ambiguity and the cost of conflict. Her role as an informer illustrates the courage involved in taking sides, while her death underscores the theme of innocent casualties and the duality of perspectives in war. This interaction also develops the sniper's character as cold and unemotional, setting up the reader's complex relationship with him, which is crucial for the story's impactful conclusion.
In "The Sniper," what is O'Flaherty's perspective on war?
O'Flaherty's perspective on war in "The Sniper" is that it is primitive, barbaric, and inhumane, with a "kill or be killed" mentality. The story highlights the grim reality of war, where the sniper, desensitized to death, must kill indiscriminately, including an enemy informant and ultimately, his own brother. O'Flaherty focuses on the violence and psychological toll of war, emphasizing its tragic irony without addressing political justifications or moral superiority.
Why does the sniper risk looking at the enemy sniper's corpse?
The sniper risks looking at the enemy's corpse because he suspects the enemy might be someone he knows, possibly from before the Irish Civil War split. Having served together in the Irish Republican Army, the protagonist wonders if the enemy sniper was once an ally. His curiosity is driven by the enemy's impressive shooting skills. Ultimately, the risk reveals that the enemy sniper is his brother, highlighting the personal and familial divisions caused by the war.
Why does the sniper curse the war, himself, and everybody?
In "The Sniper," the Republican sniper curses the war, himself, and everyone else, having realized, perhaps for the first time, the casual destruction of war. He has killed another young man, and he is struck by the "shattered mass" of his enemy. The war has done this, and he has participated, as has everyone else around him. They are all to blame.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.
