The Sniper Thesis

The short story “The Sniper” attempts to educate the reader about the life of a sniper during the civil war. While analyzing “The Sniper” the book lover learns that the sniper is astronomically competent. The reviewer is persuaded that the main character is indubitably cognizant in his profession for the following reasons. In the fourth paragraph, the protagonist is faced with a dilemma that could potentially jeopardize his life, “It was dangerous. The flash might be seen in the darkness and there are enemies watching. He [the sniper] decided to take the risk. Placing a cigarette between his lips, he struck a match… Almost immediately a bullet flattened itself against the parapet of the roof.” Not only is there proof of his knowledge in the fourth paragraph, but also in the

twelfth and thirteenth section of the narrative, “Quickly he drew his knife from his pocket. Opened it on the breastwork of the parapet, and ripped open the sleeve…The bullet had lodged in the bone…Then, taking out his field dressing, he ripped open the packet with his knife. He broke the neck of the iodine bottle and let the bitter fluid drip into his wound. A paroxysm of pain swept through him…he made an effort of will to overcome the pain.” This Liam O’Flaherty quote describes how the leading figure has dealt with this kind of wound in his past, as a result, he is experienced and courageous. The sniper is highly competent, but also apathetic. He is inconsiderate and shows a lack of sympathy towards other people’s subsistence. The reader would think this way of the warrior because of the description in the eighteenth passage, “The Republican Sniper smiled and lifted his revolver above the edge of the parapet. The distance was about fifty yards-a hard shot in the dim light-and his right arm was paining him like a thousand devils. He took a deep breath through his nostrils and fired.” From his facility to shoot someone to their death, the elocutionist can clearly notice his insensitivity. Another sample of his lack of enthusiasm is in the twenty-second paragraph. For a split second, the protagonist feels a sense of fear because there is a possibility he assassinated a friend of his, but quickly the anxiety scattered from his mind and he proceeded to laugh. The final trait the reader can label the principal character is humane. The logic as to why the sniper is humane is because he showed a shift in his behavior in the concluding portions of the short story. In the twenty-first paragraph, he shows a shift in his personality.

This passage shows the character’s susceptibility and his sense of empathy, “He became bitten by remorse… 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.” The final sentences of “The Sniper” are very emotional for the main character “…He felt a sudden curiosity as to the identity of the enemy sniper whom he had killed… Then the sniper turned over the dead body and considered his brother’s face.” This is a round character because he has many characteristics. For instance, in the ninth section, “The sniper raised his rifle and fired.” This quote shows the callous side of the sniper, but in the twenty-first paragraph he shows warmth, “He became bitten by remorse. He revolted from the sight of the shattered mass of his dead enemy.” This shows that the protagonist has various personalities. This is also a realistic person. He’s unique, unpredictable and not seen as a stereotype. “He was frightened back to his senses by the shock. His nerves steadied.” This quote is a case of his authentic feelings and

emotions. Lastly, the sniper is static. The lead role expresses different sentiments throughout the story, but overall, he is still the same lethargic sniper, “The cloud of fear scattered from his mind and he laughed.” This citation indicates that the lead character is consistently powerful and indifferent.
In conclusion, war can have many consequences and can have a negative impact on your life and the lives of those around you.