The Sniper Analysis Essay, Research Paper

The Sniper

written by Liam O Flaherty

As a socialistic society we live in we find ourselves in positions were conflicts arise between friends or family. The Sniper was written by Liam O Flaherty to express a subtle yet powerful opinion on such a conflict. With references this essay will analyse the short story bringing to light the structure used to contribute to the theme.

The basic plot of the story is based during an evening within the Irish civil wars. It tells of a republican sniper sitting on a rooftop and neutralising enemy units as the cross a bridge. When a free-states sniper shows himself on an opposite roof they wage a fierce and innovative war to see who would end up the better. Eventually the republican sniper gains the upper hand and after taking a bullet in the arm destroys the worthy opponent. After a curious inspection to the identity of the enemy sniper he finds himself looking into the eyes of his dead brother.

The story is written in 3rd person P.O.V as to give an idea of the setting, and as they waged their war the outside person could give unbiased information of which would have been limited if it were to be presented in a 1st person P.O.V. We wouldn t have got an unbiased opinion of the two snipers, which defeats the purpose of the theme.

How the setting was expressed is also a vital part for the development of the story. The opening paragraph gives a vivid description of the situation as would physically been seen.

The long June twilight faded into night. Dublin lay enveloped in darkness, but for the dim light of the moon, which shone through fleecy clouds, casting a pale light as of approaching dawn over the streets and the dark waters of the Liffey.

This extract emphasises the lonely, outworld feeling that would have been felt living in such settings. This puts into perspective the feeling that will be felt during the coarse of the plot development.

Little extra tricks have been used through the story that could only been described as style. Little things such as short sentences to create extra suspense. Use of alliteration and similes creates a more powerful image. Short, simple sentences gives impact to the final climax of the story.

So concludes this analysis of The Sniper written by Liam O Flaherty. Shown above are references onto how he went about creating a powerful yet simple theme.