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

3. Once his enemy has died, the sniper begins to "gibber" (98). What is he doing?
(a) Weep.
(b) Clutch at his face and head.
(c) Speak rapid nonsense.
(d) Pace back and forth.

4. What river is near the sniper's position?
(a) The Thames.
(b) The Liffey.
(c) The Shannon.
(d) The Corrib.

5. The sniper takes a "draught" (96) of his drink. What is a "draught" in this context?
(a) A deep sniff.
(b) A British measure.
(c) A large swallow.
(d) A small sip.

Short Answer Questions

1. What complicates the sniper's final shot?

2. At the end of the story, the reader learns that the story has been taking place on the corner of what street?

3. What is the sniper eating?

4. What bridge is near the sniper's position?

5. In his distress, what does the sniper do with his revolver?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Describe the wound that the sniper suffers.

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

4. In the sentence "Almost immediately, a bullet flattened itself against the parapet of the roof," (96), what is being personified and what purpose does the personification of the bullet serve?

5. Who does the sniper kill while he is still waiting to kill the enemy sniper, and why does he kill them?

6. How does the sniper react to being shot?

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

8. Who is the protagonist of "The Sniper" and what is he fighting for?

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

10. What problem is created by the sniper's wound?

(see the answer keys)

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