External Conflicts in Liam O’Flaherty’s “The Sniper”

Background

Set during the Irish Civil War, “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty depicts the intense confrontation between a young Republican sniper and an enemy Free State sniper hidden across the city rooftops. The story highlights the external conflicts that arise from this violent conflict.

Main External Conflicts

• The Sniper vs. the Enemy Sniper: The central conflict revolves around the sniper’s struggle against his invisible opponent. Each sniper seeks to outwit and eliminate the other, creating a tense and dangerous game of cat and mouse.
• The Sniper vs. the Environment: The sniper must navigate the treacherous urban landscape, avoiding detection and seeking cover from enemy fire. Buildings, rooftops, and narrow streets become both obstacles and potential hiding places.
• The Sniper vs. the Weather: Rain and fog provide added challenges to the sniper, impairing visibility and making movement more difficult. The weather acts as an unpredictable force that can influence the outcome of the conflict.
• The Sniper vs. Time: As the sun begins to rise, the sniper realizes he must either kill his enemy or retreat before his position is compromised. Time becomes a crucial factor in determining the sniper’s fate.

Consequences of the Conflicts

The external conflicts in “The Sniper” have significant consequences for the characters and the story’s overall impact:

• Psychological Toll: The constant danger and isolation take a toll on the sniper’s mental state, leading to paranoia and a heightened sense of urgency.
• Loss of Innocence: The horrors of war corrupt the sniper’s youthful idealism, forcing him to confront the brutality and senselessness of the conflict.
• Moral Ambiguity: The sniper’s actions raise questions about the morality of killing in war, blurring the lines between right and wrong.

In conclusion, the external conflicts in “The Sniper” provide a gripping framework for exploring the horrors of urban warfare, the psychological impact on soldiers, and the ethical complexities that arise during armed conflict.

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