Themes: Dehumanization

Download PDF PDF Page Citation Cite Share Link Share

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 for the characters. This choice emphasizes their interchangeability and lack of individuality. The sniper, the old woman, and the other characters are not given proper names, making them distant and impersonal. This lack of identity reflects how war dehumanizes people, turning them into mere roles or functions within the conflict. The old woman is simply "an informer," a label that justifies her death in the sniper's eyes.

Then round the corner of a side street came an old woman, her head covered by a tattered shawl. She began to talk to the man in the turret of the car. She was pointing to the roof where the sniper lay. An informer.
The woman’s corpse lay still in the gutter.

The language used to describe the sniper further illustrates dehumanization. His eyes are described as having "the cold gleam of the fanatic," indicating a detachment from the humanity of his targets. The sniper's focus is solely on survival and efficiency, not on the moral implications of his actions. This detachment is a result of the war's dehumanizing influence, which allows him to kill without hesitation.

His face was the face of a student, thin and ascetic, but his eyes had the cold gleam of the fanatic. They were deep and thoughtful, the eyes of a man who is used to looking at death.

O'Flaherty's narrative also highlights the universal nature of dehumanization in war. By not naming the characters, the story suggests that this loss of identity and humanity is not unique to the Irish Civil War but is a common experience in conflicts worldwide. The characters' anonymity underscores the tragic, impersonal nature of war, where individuals become mere instruments of violence.

Overall, "The Sniper" uses language and narrative techniques to convey the theme of dehumanization. By stripping characters of their identities and focusing on their roles in the conflict, O'Flaherty illustrates how war reduces individuals to mere targets, highlighting the tragic and universal nature of this dehumanization.

Expert Q&A

In "The Sniper," why doesn't O'Flaherty give the sniper a name?

O'Flaherty's decision to leave the sniper unnamed underscores the dehumanizing effects of war, where individuals become faceless entities. This anonymity reflects the sniper's role as an "invisible" and terrifying force, emphasizing his transformation into a mere instrument of war rather than a person. By not naming characters, O'Flaherty also suggests that in war, individual identities are irrelevant, making the sniper an everyman representing anyone caught in such conflicts.

What does O'Flaherty imply by "brother" in the last line of "The Sniper"?

In the last line of "The Sniper," O'Flaherty implies that the term "brother" is to be taken literally, suggesting the protagonist has killed his actual brother. This interpretation underscores the tragedy of civil war, particularly in the context of the Irish Civil War, where familial and ideological divisions were common. Alternatively, "brother" could be metaphorical, symbolizing shared experiences and roles among soldiers on opposing sides. However, the literal interpretation enhances the story's dramatic impact.

What does the sniper killing a woman in cold blood suggest about his character in "The Sniper"?

The sniper's decision to kill the woman suggests a complex character shaped by the harsh realities of war. While it might appear ruthless or vengeful, his actions can also be seen as driven by survival instincts, as the woman had compromised his position. This act highlights the moral ambiguity and psychological strain soldiers face in combat, where extreme measures often become necessary for self-preservation, leading to guilt and remorse.

The symbolism and theme established by the "brother" in "The Sniper."

In "The Sniper," the "brother" symbolizes the tragic effects of civil war, where the conflict pits countrymen, and even family members, against each other. The theme underscores the senselessness of war and its capacity to dehumanize individuals, leading to devastating consequences such as the sniper's realization that he has killed his own brother.

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.

Get 48 Hours Free Access
Previous

Themes: Survival and Isolation

Next

Themes: Violence

Loading...