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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. Once he is wounded, what makes it difficult for the sniper to achieve his goal?
(a) He cannot shoot his rifle.
(b) He is dizzy from pain and loss of blood.
(c) He no longer wants to kill anyone.
(d) He is suddenly afraid.

2. As a result of taking a risk in order to see his dead enemy's body, what happens to the sniper?
(a) He sets off a bomb.
(b) He has to kill another civilian.
(c) Nothing: he gets away with it.
(d) He is shot at.

3. At what time of day does the story begin?
(a) Dusk.
(b) Dawn.
(c) Midnight.
(d) Mid-afternoon.

4. After he calms down, what does the sniper decide to do next?
(a) Bandage his wound more carefully before he tries to move.
(b) Rest for a few minutes before he tries to move.
(c) Get off the rooftop and report to his commander.
(d) Get off the rooftop and check on the identity of his enemy.

5. What bridge is near the sniper's position?
(a) Nine Arches.
(b) Craigavon.
(c) Lifford.
(d) O'Connell.

6. What is the sniper drinking?
(a) Coffee.
(b) Milk.
(c) Whiskey.
(d) Tea.

7. "His enemy had been hit" (98) is an example of what technique?
(a) Passive voice.
(b) Charged language.
(c) Honorific diction.
(d) Parallelism.

8. Why does the sniper decide that it is safe to move from the rooftop?
(a) The streets immediately around him are quiet.
(b) He is very drunk.
(c) The battle seems to be over.
(d) The enemy sniper was the only serious danger to him.

9. In order to fool his enemy, what does the sniper lift over the parapet?
(a) His hat.
(b) His rifle.
(c) His jacket.
(d) His head.

10. What is the source of the sniper's respect for his fallen enemy?
(a) The man was a good shot.
(b) His religious respect for life.
(c) He can tell that his enemy was also a soldier.
(d) He is a fellow Irishman.

11. What does the sniper drop to the ground?
(a) His revolver.
(b) His rifle.
(c) His jacket.
(d) His field glasses.

12. The sniper's face is described as "ascetic" (96). What does this imply about the sniper?
(a) He does not have the same ability to empathize as most people do.
(b) He is not fully aware of the damage that the war will do.
(c) He is able to discipline himself and sacrifice for his beliefs.
(d) He has conflicting emotions about the act of killing.

13. Why does the protagonist expose his hand by draping it over the parapet?
(a) To make it look like he has been shot.
(b) He needs to risk it in order to get his gun.
(c) He is unaware that he has done so.
(d) To show a white flag.

14. What do the Free Staters want?
(a) A united Ireland under joint rule between the British and the Irish.
(b) A united Ireland under British rule.
(c) A united Ireland under Irish rule.
(d) A divided Ireland, one part ruled by Ireland, one part ruled by Britain.

15. What nearby area of the city is under heavy fire?
(a) Drumcondra
(b) Donnybrook
(c) The Four Courts.
(d) Christchurch.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does the sniper think that he might know his enemy from?

2. Toward the end of the story, the sniper feels "remorse" (98). What is he feeling?

3. What is the sniper eating?

4. What causes the sniper to calm himself and get back to his job?

5. When the enemy sniper is "silhouetted" (98), what is true?

(see the answer keys)

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