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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. The conflicting descriptions of the sniper that make him sound both young and mature are an example of what technique?
(a) Oxymoron.
(b) Paradox.
(c) Allusion.
(d) Personification.

2. When the enemy sniper is "silhouetted" (98), what is true?
(a) He is surrounded by a halo of light.
(b) He is too tired to stand.
(c) He is flattened up against a solid object.
(d) He is a dark shape against the sky.

3. What does the sniper do when he realizes that the old woman is an informant?
(a) Shoots and kills her.
(b) Curses her.
(c) Writes down her name to give to his field commander.
(d) Moves his position.

4. What is the only description given of the old woman?
(a) She walks very slowly.
(b) She has a thin smile.
(c) Her head is covered in an old shawl.
(d) Her dress looks like it is brand new.

5. What complicates the sniper's final shot?
(a) The distance and his pain.
(b) His hunger and fatigue.
(c) His confusion and fear.
(d) The glare and noise.

Short Answer Questions

1. The description of the car "panting" (96) suggests what about the situation?

2. Why does the sniper not immediately fire on the enemy car?

3. What is the source of the sniper's respect for his fallen enemy?

4. In the opening of the story, machine guns fire "spasmodically." How are they firing?

5. On the rooftop where the sniper is lying, there is a parapet. What is a parapet?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the sniper react to being shot?

2. What are the two contrasting descriptions of the sniper given when he is first introduced?

3. When the reader first encounters the sniper, what is he doing, and why?

4. What is the sniper drinking, and what evidence does the reader have that it is affecting his judgement?

5. What happens as a result of the Republican sniper's ruse?

6. What motivates the sniper to get himself back under control?

7. What is the symbolic significance of the O'Connell Bridge and the River Liffey?

8. What striking contrast is there in the description that opens the story with the description that closes the first paragraph?

9. How does the enemy sniper manage to shoot the protagonist?

10. What causes the sniper to suddenly lose his enthusiasm for the battle?

(see the answer keys)

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