The Sniper by Liam O’Flaherty – Summary, Analysis & Theme Explained

The main character is a Republican sniper fighting in the Irish Civil War. He hides on a rooftop in Dublin, watches for enemies, and must stay alert and quiet. He takes great risks—lighting a cigarette, killing informers, and finally outsmarting and shooting another sniper.

A sniper is a specially trained soldier or shooter who uses a high-powered rifle to fire at targets from a concealed or hidden position, often from long distances.

Here you go! This section includes everything from a concise summary to in-depth notes on “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty, perfect for class discussion or study materials.

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Cover page of "The Sniper" by Liam O'Flaherty, a compelling study resource ideal for class discussions and in-depth analysis.

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“A young soldier with a pale, determined face lies on a dark rooftop in 1920s Dublin, aiming through a rifle with field glasses slung over his shoulder under a moonlit sky.”

“A dimly lit cityscape of Dublin at night, with gunfire flashing in the distance and smoke rising from the beleaguered Four Courts area.”

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“An old woman in a tattered shawl points toward a rooftop while speaking to a soldier in the turret of an armoured car on a war-torn street.”

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“The sniper grimacing in pain as he tends to his bleeding forearm, using a knife and a field dressing behind a rooftop parapet.”

“A sniper’s rifle and cap falling dramatically from the rooftop, captured mid-air against the grey-blue skyline.”

“A silhouetted enemy sniper standing briefly on the opposite rooftop, just before being shot, with smoke curling from the Republican sniper’s revolver.”

“The enemy sniper’s lifeless body twisting as it falls from the rooftop, bouncing off a barbershop pole and crashing onto the pavement.”

“The sniper kneeling beside the corpse in a quiet Dublin laneway, turning over the body to reveal his own brother’s face.”

Two brothers smile in peaceful times, their innocence overshadowed by the specter of war.

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📸 Explore the Media Gallery – The Sniper

Step into the world of Liam O’Flaherty’s “The Sniper” through a powerful collection of visuals. From dramatic rooftop scenes to emotional turning points, our curated gallery brings key moments of the story to life.

👉 Click through to experience the story visually – perfect for deeper engagement, discussion, or classroom use.

A young soldier with a pale, determined face lies on a dark rooftop in 1920s Dublin, aiming through

The Sniper by Liam O’Flaherty – Summary, Analysis & Theme Explained

An old woman in a tattered shawl points toward a rooftop while speaking to a soldier in the turret o

A sniper’s rifle and cap falling dramatically from the rooftop, captured mid-air against the grey-bl

The enemy sniper’s lifeless body twisting as it falls from the rooftop, bouncing off a barbershop po

The enemy sniper’s lifeless body twisting as it falls from the rooftop, bouncing off a barbershop po

5. "The Sniper – Complete Guide with Vocabulary, Worksheet & Answers"

4. “The sniper grimacing in pain as he tends to his bleeding forearm, using a knife and a field dres

1. “A young soldier with a pale, determined face lies on a dark rooftop in 1920s Dublin, aiming thro

1. “A young soldier with a pale, determined face lies on a dark rooftop in 1920s Dublin, aiming thro

“A faded, sepia-toned scene of two young brothers smiling together in peacetime, overlaid with a

“The sniper kneeling beside the corpse in a quiet Dublin laneway, turning over the body to reveal

The sniper grimacing in pain as he tends to his bleeding forearm, using a knife and a field dressing

A dimly lit cityscape of Dublin at night, with gunfire flashing in the distance and smoke rising fro

A dimly lit cityscape of Dublin at night, with gunfire flashing in the distance and smoke rising fro

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