Class Zone: The Language of Literature

"The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty

Overview

During the Irish civil war of 1922-1923, a Republican sniper lies in wait on a rooftop; a gunman for the Free Staters is poised on the opposite rooftop. When the Republican sniper spies an informer revealing his position to a soldier, he shoots both informer and soldier dead, and in the process, is shot in the arm by a gunman. Unable to use his rifle, the sniper tricks the gunman into believing he has shot and killed the sniper. When the Free Stater gunman stands, the sniper shoots him with his revolver, only to discover that the gunman was his own brother.

Issues

This story addresses

political ideals subjugating personal safety,
emotional turmoil,
family dissolution,
living with the consequences of one's actions.

Instructional Focus

To encourage students to

make sound judgments regarding their personal safety,
identify and understand the impact of political ideologies,
form and maintain appropriate family ties,
consider consequences before taking actions,
identify healthful strategies for coping with the consequences of poor judgment.

Activities

Oral Reading
Following a brief discussion of the war, read the story aloud. Ask students to consider the cause and effect relationship between the sniper's political ideology and the outcome of the story. Focus attention on the correlation between beliefs and actions. Make the connection between actions and consequences. Discuss the consequences of the sniper's actions.
Use the following questions as springboards to solutions:

The narrator is a young man. How can age influence a person's decision-making ability? Do you think he fully understands the ramifications of his political convictions?
How does the narrator's decision to smoke endanger his safety? Knowing this, why does he risk smoking? Do you think the cigarettes and whiskey help the sniper cope with his situation? Why/Why not?
The sniper hardly considers whether or not to shoot the old woman. Should he feel remorse for shooting her? Why/Why not?
Do you think the narrator knew his brother was fighting for the opposing side? How do you think their political differences developed? If they had known the eventual outcome, do you think their decisions would have been different? Are political ideologies worth sacrificing family ties? Explain.
How do you think the sniper will deal with the consequences of his action? How do you think the rest of the family will respond? Is reconciliation possible? Why/Why not?

Character Profile
Have student pairs write a profile of the sniper or his brother. What personality traits and life events made him choose the side he chose? Share the profiles with the class.

Rivalry Reconsidered
Discuss rivalry among cliques and teams in high school. Have students consider whether or not this rivalry is beneficial or destructive. Instruct them to explain their views in an essay. Share the essays with the class.
Family Focus
Have students identify problematic issues that frequently divide families. Have students work in groups to find solutions for the problems that could lead to family reconciliation. Have groups present their solutions. Ask the class to judge the viability of the solutions presented.

Real World Connection

The political turmoil in Ireland continues today. Split the class into two groups. Have each group research the history of the conflict focusing on one side. Then bring the two sides together to form a resolution to peacefully and equitably end the conflict.