Liam O'Flaherty's `The Sniper' is a very effective short story. He creates suspense through the use of imagery, metaphor and simile. O'Flaherty uses descriptive language throughout the story that has a powerful opening and a shocking ending. The story takes place in the 1930s when there was civil war in the city of Dublin. A Republican sniper is on a roof-top doing his duty, when a series of incidents take place.

The story starts with a descriptive setting of the dark surroundings. O'Flaherty uses many descriptive words related to darkness and gives the reader a mysterious feeling when he writes, "Dublin lay enveloped in darnkness, but for the dim light of the moon, that shone through fleecy clouds, casting a pale light..." This is a powerful opening, as it sets the quiet and mysterious scene, and creates a dark, silent night. Strong connotations, such as `enveloped' is strong...