Short Story Unit The Sniper by Liam OFlaherty

Short Story Unit The Sniper by Liam O’Flaherty Mr. Fagan English 9

What is a Short Story? According to Edgar Allan Poe, it is a work that yields a single overall “effect” and is short enough to be read in one sitting. Like a novel, the traditional short story takes the time to establish a setting and develop characters. Many Short Stories focus on an important moment between characters or center on a revelation (moment of insight and understanding). This is gained by the characters going through a powerful experience.

5 Elements of a Short Story Character a person, or sometimes even an animal, who takes part in the action of a short story or other literary work. Setting of a short story is the time and place in which it happens. Plot a series of events and character actions that relate to the central conflict. Conflict a struggle between two people or things in a short story. The main character is usually on one side of the central conflict. Theme the central idea or belief in a short story.

The Sniper (Liam O’Flaherty) Liam O'Flaherty was born on August 28 th 1896 and died on September 7 th 1984. He was an Irish novelist and short story writer and a major figure in the Irish literary renaissance. "The Sniper” (1923) is a short story by Irish writer O'Flaherty, set during the early weeks of the Irish Civil War, during the Battle of Dublin.

The Sniper Background Info. It is O'Flaherty's first published work of fiction, while the war it depicted was still ongoing. The favorable notice it generated helped get other works by O'Flaherty published and started his career. It is widely read today in secondary schools of many English-speaking countries, due to its short length, easiness to read, and its notable surprise ending.

The Sniper Setting During the Irish Civil War. Dublin Ireland in June 1922. It is late in the evening and everything is dark. Rooftop in downtown Dublin near the O’Connell bridge. (crosses the Liffey River.

The Sniper Characters The Enemy Sniper is the Sniper’s main opponent in the story. A member of the Free State army, he still shares similarities with the Sniper. The two men are engaged in the same role. The Old Woman points out the Sniper’s location on the rooftop to the Soldier in the Turret. The Sniper shoots and kills her. The Sniper is the main character of the story. This young man is a member of the Republican army and his eyes have “the cold gleam of the fanatic. ”