“The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

“The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty was first published in January of 1923 in the London-based socialist publication, The New Leader, as a standalone short story. It would later be included in O’Flaherty’s first collection of short stories. The tale immediately garnered praise for its stark realism, unflinching portrayal of war’s brutality, and its suspenseful narrative that explores the psychological toll of conflict. O’Flaherty’s writing is notable for its direct, unadorned style, mirroring the unforgiving nature of the story’s setting amidst the Irish Civil War. Within its brief yet impactful form, “The Sniper” examines complex themes of survival, the dehumanizing effects of violence, and the fleeting nature of ideological certainty during times of chaos.

Main Events in “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

1. The story takes place during the Irish Civil War in Dublin, where two opposing sides are engaged in a fierce battle.
2. The protagonist, a Republican sniper, takes position on a rooftop and observes the area through his rifle’s scope.
3. He spots an enemy sniper across the street and engages him in a duel, resulting in the Republican sniper killing the enemy sniper.
4. In an attempt to assess the damage done, the Republican sniper puts himself in danger by lighting a cigarette and is shot in the arm by the enemy sniper.
5. The Republican sniper devises a plan to escape by creating a decoy with his cap and slowly crawling away from his position.
6. He successfully evades the enemy’s gunfire and crawls towards safety.
7. After reaching a safe location, the Republican sniper discovers that the enemy sniper he killed was actually his own brother.
8. The realization of having killed his own brother traumatizes the Republican sniper and he experiences a wave of emotion and grief.
9. The story ends with the Republican sniper reflecting on the senselessness of the war and the devastation it has caused.
10. The final line of the story states that the sniper “turned over the dead body and looked into his brother’s face.”

Literary Devices in “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

1. Allusion: The reference to the Irish Civil War is an allusion to a historical event.
2. Antagonist: The enemy sniper is the antagonist, as he is the one who is opposing the protagonist.
3. Conflict: The story is centered around the conflict between the two opposing sides in the Irish Civil War.
4. Foreshadowing: The sniper’s decision to light a cigarette foreshadows the danger that he is about to face.
5. Hyperbole: The description of the sniper’s fear as “nearly paralyzing his arms and legs” is a hyperbole.
6. Imagery: The description of the setting and the actions of the characters create vivid imagery in the reader’s mind.
7. Irony: The twist at the end, where the Republican sniper realizes that he has killed his own brother, is an example of situational irony.
8. Metaphor: The comparison of the sniper’s eyes to that of a hawk is a metaphor.
9. Personification: The description of the rifle as having “the eyes of a man” is an example of personification.
10. Point of View: The story is told from the third-person limited point of view, which allows the reader to see the events through the sniper’s perspective.
11. Setting: The setting of the story in war-torn Dublin during the Irish Civil War is a significant aspect of the story.
12. Simile: The comparison of the enemy sniper to “a shapeless mass of cotton waste” is a simile.
13. Symbolism: The rifle is a symbol of the power and violence of war.
14. Theme: The theme of the senselessness of war and the devastation it causes is central to the story.
15. Tone: The overall tone of the story is somber and reflective, emphasizing the tragic consequences of war.

Characterization in “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

Major characters:

1. The Republican Sniper: He is the protagonist of the story, a soldier fighting for the Republican side during the Irish Civil War. He is a skilled marksman and a determined fighter, but he also experiences moments of fear and doubt. His discovery that he has killed his own brother has a profound impact on him.

Minor characters:

• The Enemy Sniper: He is the antagonist of the story, a soldier fighting for the opposite side. He is also a skilled marksman and engages in a deadly duel with the Republican sniper.

3. The Old Woman: She briefly appears in the story when the Republican sniper shoots and kills her after mistaking her for an enemy spy. Her death highlights the brutal and senseless nature of war.
4. The Republican Army Officer: He is mentioned in passing in the story and is responsible for giving the sniper his mission. His role is minor but significant in setting up the conflict of the story.

Major Themes in “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

1. Dehumanization and the Cost of War (ll. 1-104): The story portrays the brutalizing effects of the Irish Civil War. The sniper, initially described with a “fanatic” gleam in his eyes (l. 8), operates with cold efficiency, eliminating enemies without hesitation. He shoots an “old woman” (l. 30) acting as an informant, highlighting the disregard for humanity in wartime. However, the story’s climax forces a transformation. Seeing his dead enemy as his brother shatters the sniper’s detachment, leaving him “gibbering to himself, cursing the war, cursing himself, cursing everybody” (l. 89).
2. The Fragility of Identity and Loyalty (ll. 95-104): The war forces citizens to choose sides, fracturing families and communities. The sniper’s initial focus is on eliminating his enemy, regardless of who it might be. His world is divided into “us” and “them.” The shocking discovery of his brother’s identity dismantles this simplistic view. The shared blood between the sniper and his victim emphasizes the tragedy of the war that pits brother against brother.
3. The Deceptive Nature of Appearances (ll. 55-80): The story highlights the importance of looking beyond initial impressions. The sniper’s initial advantage comes from his concealed position. He uses a clever ruse with his cap and rifle to create a false image of his demise, ultimately outsmarting his opponent. However, appearances can be deceiving. The dead enemy sniper, initially perceived as a nameless foe, turns out to be the sniper’s brother, forcing him to confront a horrifying truth.
4. The Power of Observation and Strategy (ll. 10-65): Survival in the war-torn city depends on being a keen observer. The sniper meticulously plans his actions, studying his surroundings and anticipating his enemy’s moves. He rations his food, carefully weighs the risk of smoking, and notices the enemy’s flash before the shot (ll. 10-21). This attentiveness allows him to devise the successful plan to lure out his enemy.

Writing Style in “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

Liam O’Flaherty’s writing style in “The Sniper” is direct and economical, conveying the brutal realities of war through vivid and concise language. He uses short, simple sentences to create a tense and fast-paced narrative that mirrors the urgency and danger of the story’s setting. The descriptions of the setting and characters are spare but evocative, creating a vivid picture of war-torn Dublin and the characters’ actions and emotions. O’Flaherty’s use of imagery and symbolism, particularly in the portrayal of the rifle as a powerful and deadly force, adds depth and complexity to the story’s themes. Overall, O’Flaherty’s writing style is both gripping and impactful, conveying the tragedy and horror of war in a concise and powerful manner.

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.
• Psychological portrayal: The story delves into the sniper’s changing emotions. Initially detached, he experiences guilt and horror upon discovering his brother’s identity. This reflects the lasting impact of war on the psyche.
• Vivid descriptions: O’Flaherty uses sensory details to create a realistic atmosphere. Descriptions of darkness, gunfire, and the “dull thud” of the body falling (l. 83) immerse the reader in the sniper’s experience.

2. Modernism:

• Loss of innocence: The story portrays the shattering of the sniper’s initial cold-bloodedness. The war strips away his idealism and leaves him disillusioned.
• Disillusionment with war: The story critiques the glorification of war. The sniper’s victory is hollow and leaves him emotionally broken, highlighting the senselessness of violence.
• Unreliable narrator: While the story uses a third-person limited perspective, the reader only experiences the war through the sniper’s eyes. His initial bias and transformation raise questions about the objectivity of his perception.

Additional Considerations:

• Marxist Lens: One could analyze the story through a Marxist lens, examining the class struggle underlying the Civil War and how it tears families apart.
• Freudian Lens: A Freudian interpretation could explore the psychological impact of violence, the sniper’s repressed emotions, and the revelation of the dead enemy as his brother as a symbolic confrontation with his own repressed identity.

Research Questions and Their Thesis Statements about “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

• How does “The Sniper” portray the dehumanizing effects of war on soldiers?
• This paper will argue that through vivid imagery and characterization, Liam O’Flaherty shows the brutal consequences of war on the humanity of soldiers.
• What is the significance of the twist ending in “The Sniper”?
• This paper will explore how the surprise ending creates a powerful example of situational irony that highlights the futility and tragic consequences of war.
• How does the setting of the story contribute to the theme of war and conflict in “The Sniper”? This paper will examine how O’Flaherty’s portrayal of the war-torn streets of Dublin reinforces the themes of violence, chaos, and loss in the story.
• What role do women play in “The Sniper,” and how does their absence contribute to the story’s themes?
• This paper will analyze the portrayal of women characters in the story and their absence from the conflict, and how it reflects the male-dominated nature of war.
• How does the use of symbolism contribute to the themes of “The Sniper”?
• This paper will explore how the rifle and other symbols in the story contribute to the themes of power, violence, and tragedy.

Short Questions and Answers about “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

• What is the significance of the title of the story, “The Sniper”?
• The title of the story, “The Sniper,” refers to the protagonist and his occupation as a trained sniper in the war. It not only identifies the character but also creates an ominous tone, highlighting the danger and lethality of his profession. The title also foreshadows the central conflict of the story, which revolves around the sniper’s role in the war and his internal struggle with the morality of killing.
• How does the setting contribute to the themes of the story in “The Sniper”?
• The setting of “The Sniper” in war-torn Dublin creates a chaotic and violent atmosphere that reinforces the themes of conflict, loss, and tragedy. The crumbling buildings, deserted streets, and gunfire in the distance all contribute to a sense of danger and uncertainty. The setting also emphasizes the emotional toll of war on the soldiers and the civilians caught in the crossfire, highlighting the senselessness and futility of the conflict.
• What is the significance of the sniper’s discovery of the identity of the enemy sniper in “The Sniper”?
• The sniper’s discovery of the identity of the enemy sniper is a critical turning point in the story. It not only creates a sense of tension and danger but also humanizes the enemy, forcing the protagonist to confront the reality that the enemy is also a human being. This realization contributes to the central theme of the story, which is the dehumanizing effects of war on soldiers and their struggle with the morality of killing.
• What is the significance of the sniper’s reaction to killing his own brother in “The Sniper”?
• The sniper’s reaction to killing his own brother highlights the devastating impact of war on families and the psychological toll of killing. His shock and horror at discovering the identity of the enemy sniper as his own brother emphasizes the tragedy and senselessness of war, as well as the human cost of conflict. This event also reinforces the theme of brotherhood, highlighting the universal experience of war and its impact on individuals and relationships.

Literary Works Similar to “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

Short Stories with Shocking Twists and Social Commentary:

• “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson (1948): This chilling story, like “The Sniper,” utilizes a shocking twist ending that dismantles the reader’s perception of a seemingly ordinary situation. Both narratives explore the pervasiveness of violence, the weight of tradition, and the potential for barbarity lurking beneath the surface of social order.

Works Exploring War’s Psychological Impact:

• “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” by Ambrose Bierce (1890): Set during the American Civil War, this classic story mirrors “The Sniper” by focusing on the protagonist’s internal state in the face of imminent death. Both delve into the subjectivity of human perception, the unreliability of memory under pressure, and the psychological toll of war.

Exploring the Thrill and Peril of the Hunt:

• “The Most Dangerous Game” by Richard Connell (1924): This thrilling tale shares thematic ground with “The Sniper” as it presents two men on a remote island – one a hunter, the other hunted. Both stories explore the primal thrill of the chase, the psychological motivations behind violence, and the blurring of lines between hunter and hunted.

Universality of Human Experience:

• “The Bet” by Anton Chekhov (1889): While not set against the backdrop of war, Chekhov’s story resonates with “The Sniper” by exploring the psychological burden of isolation and the dangers of unchecked pride. Both protagonists become fixated on proving themselves, ultimately suffering the consequences of their actions, highlighting the universality of human flaws.

Unexpected Consequences and Sacrifice:

• “Federigo’s Falcon” by Giovanni Boccaccio (1370): This story from Boccaccio’s Decameron features a nobleman who sacrifices his prized falcon to impress a woman. Similar to “The Sniper,” it explores themes of pride, loss, and the unforeseen ramifications of our choices.

Suggested Readings: “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty

Journal Articles:

• Bourke, Richard. “Review of The Sniper and Other Stories.” Irish Studies Review vol. 13, no. 1 (2005): 142-143. JSTOR, jstor.org/stable/20760322. Accessed 24 March 2024.
• This article provides a critical review of the short story collection that includes “The Sniper,” offering insights into the work’s reception and significance.

Book Chapters:

• Carpenter, Frederic I. “Liam O’Flaherty.” Irish Literature. Edited by Robert Hogan. Oxford University Press, 2006. 172-177.
• This chapter within a larger work on Irish literature offers biographical information on O’Flaherty and explores his literary style and themes, providing context for understanding “The Sniper.”
• Kiberd, Declan. “Introduction.” Liam O’Flaherty: Selected Short Stories. Edited by Declan Kiberd. Penguin Classics, 1994. ix-xxvii.
• This introductory essay provides valuable context for interpreting “The Sniper” by examining O’Flaherty’s writing career, historical influences, and recurring themes in his work.

Primary Source:

• O’Flaherty, Liam. The Sniper and Other Stories. Penguin Classics, 1994.
• This is the primary source for reading and analyzing “The Sniper” itself.

Secondary Source:

• O’Sullivan, Maurice. “Liam O’Flaherty.” The Course of Irish Literature. Edited by Terence Brown. Gill and Macmillan, 2000. 221-232.
• This chapter offers a broader examination of O’Flaherty’s literary career and significance within the context of Irish literature, providing a helpful background for understanding “The Sniper.”