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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Why does the sniper decide that it is safe to move from the rooftop?

2. What does the sniper drop to the ground?

3. The conflicting descriptions of the sniper that make him sound both young and mature are an example of what technique?

4. As a result of taking a risk in order to see his dead enemy's body, what happens to the sniper?

5. Where does the sniper get shot?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. How does the sniper fool his enemy?

4. What risk does the sniper take at the beginning of the story, and what are the consequences?

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

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

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

8. What motivates the sniper to discover the identity of the dead man, and what is that identity?

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

10. What is the setting of "The Sniper"?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Analyze the use of the River Liffey as a symbol in "The Sniper." Describe how it appears in the story, background information on the river, and how these two elements combine to create meaning.

Essay Topic 2

What is the most reasonable explanation of the sniper's choice to light the cigarette that gives away his position? Provide textual evidence for your claim.

Essay Topic 3

Explain the symbolic significance of the sniper's bullet injury and his treatment of it. Be sure to use textual evidence to support your claim.

(see the answer keys)

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