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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. How does the sniper get off of the rooftop?

2. What does the sniper do when he realizes that his enemy is dead?

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

4. What does the sniper drop to the ground?

5. The sniper's face is described as "ascetic" (96). What does this imply about the sniper?

Short Essay Questions

1. How does the sniper react to being shot?

2. Who are the Republicans at war with, and what does this opposition believe?

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

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

5. 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?

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

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

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

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

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

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explain why the ending of "The Sniper" creates dramatic irony.

Essay Topic 3

Analyze the last line of the story "The Sniper." Be sure to include a discussion of the layers of meaning in the word "brother" and to explain how this line impacts the overall meaning of the story.

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This section contains 741 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample