The Sniper by Liam O'Flaherty (Intermediate)

Intermediate

story

Once upon a time, in the enchanted kingdom of Dublin, the long June twilight faded into night. Dublin lay wrapped in a blanket of soft darkness, except for the gentle light of the moon that peeked through fluffy clouds. This moonlight sprinkled a delicate glow over the cobbled streets and the shimmering waters of the Liffey River. The kingdom was in the midst of a great conflict, where the mighty Republicans and the brave Free Staters were engaged in a civil war.

On a rooftop near the grand O'Connell Bridge, a young Republican sniper named Liam lay watching the kingdom below. He was not just any sniper; he was a guardian, tasked with protecting his people. Beside him lay his trusty rifle, and over his shoulders was a pair of field glasses. Liam had the face of a thoughtful student, but his eyes gleamed with determination, the eyes of someone who had seen many adventures.

Liam was famished as he had not eaten since morning. He quickly devoured his sandwich and took a small sip from his flask. Feeling slightly rejuvenated, he contemplated having a smoke from his cigarette. It was risky because the flash of light might be spotted by lurking enemies. Nonetheless, Liam decided to take the chance.

As he lit his cigarette, a bullet from an enemy's rifle flattened itself against the parapet of the roof, making a loud noise. Liam quickly extinguished his cigarette and crawled away to the left, swearing softly under his breath.

Carefully, Liam peered over the edge of the roof and saw a flash from the opposite side of the street. He rolled over to a chimney stack and slowly raised himself behind it, his eyes just above the parapet. He couldn’t discern anything clearly—only the dim outline of the opposite rooftop.

Suddenly, an armored carriage appeared, slowly moving across the bridge and up the street. It halted, and an old woman in a tattered shawl started conversing with the soldier inside the carriage. She was pointing towards Liam’s rooftop. She was an informer!

The turret of the carriage opened, and a soldier's head appeared. Liam swiftly aimed his rifle and fired. The soldier collapsed, and the old woman screamed and ran, but Liam fired again, and she fell into the gutter.

Just then, a shot rang out from the opposite roof, and Liam’s rifle clattered to the roof. He realized he was hit. His arm felt numb, and he muttered, "I'm hit." He quickly tended to his wound using his field dressing kit, though it caused him excruciating pain.

He lay still, strategizing his next move. He knew he must escape before dawn. His enemy on the opposite roof obstructed his path. He had only a small revolver to defend himself. Then he devised a clever plan.

Liam took off his cap and placed it on the end of his rifle. He slowly pushed the rifle upward until the cap was visible. Almost immediately, a bullet pierced the cap. Liam let the rifle and cap fall to the street, then hung his hand lifelessly over the edge of the roof. After a moment, he let his hand drop as well.

Crawling quickly, he peered over the parapet and saw his adversary standing before a row of chimney pots, believing Liam was dead. Liam smiled and aimed his revolver. It was a challenging shot, but he took a deep breath and fired. When the smoke cleared, he saw his enemy had been hit and was plummeting from the roof.

Liam watched his enemy fall and shuddered. The battle frenzy dissipated, replaced by profound sadness. Weakened by his wound and the long day, he cursed the war and himself. He looked at his smoking revolver and hurled it to the roof, where it went off with a loud bang. The noise jolted him back to his senses. He laughed shakily and took another sip from his flask, feeling reckless.

He decided to vacate the roof and find his commander to report. The streets were eerily quiet, so he climbed down through a skylight into the house below.

Once on the street, Liam felt an overwhelming curiosity about the enemy he had vanquished. He wondered if he knew him, maybe even from his own company before the war. He decided to take a risk and uncover his identity. He darted across the street and threw himself down beside the fallen adversary. When he turned over the body, he looked into the face of his own brother.

Tears welled up in Liam’s eyes as he realized the horrific truth. In the kingdom of Dublin, even amidst war, family bonds were the most powerful connection of all.

This story teaches us about the tragic consequences of war and the enduring strength of family. Despite the conflicts that may arise, the love and bond between family members remain the most important and powerful forces in our lives. Let us cherish peace and strive to protect and nurture the connections that bind us together.

 

Words and Idioms

Study it with Flashcard

https://quizlet.com/kr/926895284/the-sniper-by-liam-oflaherty-flash-cards/?i=3en6ue&x=1qqt

 

wrapped in (phr v) - covered or surrounded by

blanket of darkness (idiom) - a large area covered by darkness

peek through (phr v) - to appear slightly from behind something

shimmering (adj) - shining with a soft, slightly wavering light

tasked with (phr v) - given the responsibility of

field glasses (n) - binoculars used in the field for seeing distant objects

famished (adj) - extremely hungry

devour (v) - to eat food or prey hungrily or quickly

rejuvenated (adj) - made to feel fresher, younger, or more lively

contemplate (v) - to think profoundly and at length

lurking (adj) - remaining hidden so as to wait in ambush

flatten itself (phr v) - to become flat or to cause something to become flat

parapet (n) - a low protective wall along the edge of a roof, bridge, or balcony

swear softly (phr v) - to utter offensive words quietly

peer over (phr v) - to look carefully or with difficulty

discern (v) - to perceive or recognize something

turret (n) - a small tower on top of a larger tower or at the corner of a building or wall, typically of a castle

gutter (n) - a shallow trough fixed beneath the edge of a roof for carrying off rainwater

clatter (v) - to make a continuous rattling sound as of hard objects falling or striking each other

numb (adj) - deprived of the power of sensation

mutter (v) - say something in a low or barely audible voice, especially in dissatisfaction or irritation

excruciating (adj) - intensely painful

strategize (v) - to plan the actions one needs to take to complete a task

obstruct (v) - to block or get in the way of

row of chimney pots (phr) - a line of vertical pipes on a chimney, often used to improve draft

plummet (v) - to fall or drop straight down at high speed

shudder (v) - to tremble convulsively, typically as a result of fear or revulsion

frenzy (n) - a state or period of uncontrolled excitement or wild behavior

dissipate (v) - to disperse or scatter

hurl (v) - to throw an object with great force

startle (v) - to cause a person or animal to feel sudden shock or alarm

vacate (v) - to leave a place that one previously occupied

vanquish (v) - to defeat thoroughly

well up (phr v) - to rise to the surface and spill or be about to spill

Questions

1. Where does the story take place?

a) The kingdom of Paris

b) The kingdom of Dublin

c) The kingdom of London

d) The kingdom of Berlin

 

2. Who is the main character in the story?

a) A Free Stater sniper named Sean

b) A Republican soldier named Liam

c) A civilian named Mary

d) A commander named Patrick

 

3. Why does Liam decide to light a cigarette despite the danger?

a) To signal his comrades

b) Because he thinks the enemies won't notice

c) He needs comfort despite the risk

d) To celebrate a victory

 

4. What does Liam do to deceive his enemy?

a) Waves a white flag

b) Fires his rifle randomly

c) Places his cap on the end of his rifle and raises it

d) Yells to distract them

 

5. What does the moonlight symbolize in the story?

a) The harsh reality of war

b) A beacon of hope amidst darkness

c) The uncertainty of life

d) The power of the enemy

 

6. What is the central theme of the story?

a) The thrill of victory

b) The strength of familial bonds even amidst conflict

c) The glory of battle

d) The importance of strategy in warfare

AP-Test Style Writing Topics

1. Analyze how Liam's internal conflict and his ultimate realization about the identity of his enemy contribute to the overall theme of the story. Use evidence from the text to support your analysis.

2. Discuss the significance of the setting in "The Sniper" and how it enhances the story's mood and themes. Consider the descriptions of the physical environment and the historical context of the conflict.

3. Evaluate the use of symbolism in "The Sniper," particularly focusing on elements such as the moonlight, the cigarette, and the family bond revealed at the end. How do these symbols contribute to the reader's understanding of the story's deeper meanings?

Answer Keys

1. b) The kingdom of Dublin

2. b) A Republican soldier named Liam

3. c) He needs comfort despite the risk

4. c) Places his cap on the end of his rifle and raises it

5. b) A beacon of hope amidst darkness

6. b) The strength of familial bonds even amidst conflict

 

Sample AP-Test Style Writing

 

1. Liam's internal conflict is a driving force throughout "The Sniper." Initially, Liam is portrayed as a dedicated and disciplined soldier, committed to his cause. His decision to light a cigarette despite the inherent risk demonstrates a moment of vulnerability and human weakness, highlighting the personal sacrifices soldiers make in wartime. This act of defiance against his own safety reflects his internal struggle between his duty and his personal needs. As the story progresses, Liam's conflict intensifies. His shooting of the informer and the enemy sniper showcases his role as a soldier bound by duty, yet these actions are performed with a mechanical detachment, indicating his emotional suppression.

 

The climax of Liam's internal conflict occurs when he devises a clever plan to deceive and kill his enemy sniper. His meticulous execution of the plan underscores his soldierly precision and the constant interplay between survival and morality. However, the story's resolution shatters this veneer of detachment when Liam discovers that the enemy sniper is his own brother. This revelation is a profound turning point, transforming the story from one of mere survival to one of deep personal tragedy. The realization that he has killed his own brother forces Liam to confront the devastating consequences of war on a deeply personal level.

 

This ultimate realization amplifies the story's overarching theme: the tragic and senseless nature of war. The fraternal bond, revealed in such a brutal and irreversible manner, underscores the futility of conflict that pits brother against brother. Liam's horror and sorrow encapsulate the story's message that war, regardless of its political or ideological motives, is ultimately a destructive force that severs the most fundamental human connections. Through Liam's internal conflict and his tragic realization, "The Sniper" poignantly conveys the deep emotional and psychological toll of warfare, urging readers to reflect on the true cost of such conflicts.

 

2. The setting of "The Sniper" is pivotal in establishing the story's mood and themes. Set in the kingdom of Dublin during a civil war, the physical and historical context creates a backdrop of tension and uncertainty. The story begins with the long June twilight fading into night, wrapping Dublin in a blanket of soft darkness. This imagery not only sets a somber and suspenseful tone but also symbolizes the enveloping nature of war, where clarity and safety are obscured by conflict.

 

The moonlight, described as peeking through fluffy clouds and sprinkling a delicate glow over the streets, serves as a stark contrast to the violence and danger that lurk in the shadows. This interplay of light and darkness mirrors the duality of war, where moments of calm are punctuated by sudden violence. The shimmering waters of the Liffey River add to the ethereal quality of the scene, juxtaposing the natural beauty of the city with the man-made horrors of war.

 

The setting on the rooftop near the grand O'Connell Bridge places Liam in a precarious position, both physically and metaphorically. The rooftop serves as a vantage point, providing Liam with a clear view of the kingdom below, yet it also isolates him, emphasizing the solitary nature of his role as a sniper. The grandness of O'Connell Bridge, a significant landmark, contrasts with the personal and intimate nature of the sniper's struggle, highlighting the disconnect between larger historical events and individual experiences.

 

Historically, the story is set during the Irish Civil War, a period of intense internal conflict. This context enriches the narrative by grounding it in real historical events, adding a layer of authenticity and gravity. The civil war setting underscores the theme of division, as it pits citizens of the same country against each other, often leading to tragic outcomes, as seen in the story's climax.

 

Overall, the setting of "The Sniper" is integral to its mood and themes. The vivid descriptions of the physical environment and the historical context of the conflict enhance the story's emotional impact, making it a poignant exploration of war's effects on individuals and society.

 

3. Symbolism in "The Sniper" enriches the narrative by adding layers of meaning that deepen the reader's understanding of the story’s themes. The moonlight, for instance, symbolizes a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of war. As it gently illuminates the city, the moonlight represents moments of clarity and humanity that persist even in the bleakest situations. It contrasts with the enveloping darkness that symbolizes the pervasive and obscuring nature of conflict, where moral clarity and safety are hard to discern.

 

The cigarette is another potent symbol. When Liam decides to light it, despite the obvious danger, it represents a moment of defiance and a brief respite from the harsh realities of his environment. The cigarette is a small act of normalcy and comfort, highlighting Liam’s humanity and vulnerability. However, it also symbolizes recklessness, as the light from the cigarette immediately draws enemy fire, underscoring the constant and pervasive threat in war.

 

The family bond revealed at the end is perhaps the most significant symbol. When Liam discovers that the enemy sniper he has killed is his own brother, this revelation underscores the senseless tragedy of civil war. The familial connection symbolizes the ultimate cost of conflict, where the divisions created by war can sever even the deepest and most fundamental human bonds. This discovery transforms the story from one of survival to one of profound personal loss, highlighting the futility and destructive nature of war.

 

These symbols collectively enhance the reader’s understanding of the story’s deeper meanings. The moonlight, cigarette, and family bond are not just elements of the plot; they are carefully chosen symbols that reflect the internal and external conflicts faced by the protagonist. They add depth to the narrative, encouraging readers to reflect on the broader implications of war and the enduring strength of human connections amidst such turmoil. Through its symbolism, "The Sniper" offers a poignant commentary on the devastating effects of war, both on a personal and societal level.

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