Themes: Violence

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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 with the sniper's intense focus on his mission. He is driven and determined, denying himself food and other distractions to achieve his goal. This initial excitement and sense of purpose are evident when he successfully shoots his enemy. However, the sniper's reaction to his victory quickly shifts from elation to horror. As he watches his enemy fall, he experiences a profound sense of remorse and revulsion. The passage captures this moment of realization:

The sniper looked at his enemy falling and he shuddered. The lust of battle died in him. He became bitten by remorse. The sweat stood out in beads on his forehead. Weakened by his wound and the long summer day of fasting and watching on the roof, he revolted from the sight of the shattered mass of his dead enemy. His teeth chattered, he began to gibber to himself, cursing the war, cursing himself, cursing everybody.

This passage illustrates the emptiness of the sniper's violent actions. The initial thrill of battle gives way to a deep understanding of the futility of war. The sniper's internal conflict underscores the theme that violence, while seemingly justified in the heat of battle, ultimately leads to personal defeat and grief.

The story's climax further emphasizes the destructiveness of violence. After killing his opponent, the sniper discovers that the dead man is his own brother. This shocking revelation highlights the tragic consequences of civil war, where even family members become enemies. The brother's death symbolizes the self-destructive nature of violence, as the sniper's actions bring him immense guilt and pain. This moment serves as a poignant reminder of the senselessness of war and its capacity to dehumanize individuals.

In "The Sniper," violence is portrayed as an empty and destructive force. The protagonist's journey from determination to despair illustrates the personal cost of war. Through the sniper's experiences, O'Flaherty conveys a powerful message about the futility of violence and its devastating impact on human relationships.

Expert Q&A

If you were the sniper in the story, what would you do upon discovering you've killed your sibling?

If I were the sniper and discovered I had killed my sibling, I would be devastated and struggle to cope with the guilt and remorse. This realization would likely alter my perspective on the war, politics, and the motivations that led me to fight. The story highlights the tragic personal impact of civil war, where families are literally or symbolically divided, emphasizing the broader theme of conflict's toll on human relationships.

Regarding "The Sniper," do you believe violence can ever be justified?

In "The Sniper," violence is depicted as futile and devastating, with no clear justification. The story, set during the Irish Civil War, highlights the personal and familial costs of conflict. The protagonist's horror upon realizing he has killed his own brother underscores the senselessness of war. While some argue violence can be justified if a nation or people are threatened, this story suggests that such conditions did not apply in the Irish Civil War context.

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Themes: Dehumanization

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