A conflict between the Republicans and Free Staters results in death. The Sniper, on the side of the Republicans, lay behind a parapet one night in Dublin. Being fired at for lighting a cigarette gives the Sniper his enemy's location; on the roof of the opposite building. Then, he shoots and kills two people in the street, who are aware of his hideout. However, a wound on his arm from a bullet disables him from using his rifle to kill his enemy, so he can escape. The Sniper uses his cap and rifle to feign his death, in order to lure his enemy out of cover. Once unprotected, the Sniper shoots and kills the enemy with a revolver, immediately feeling remorse and spitefulness towards the war and himself, losing all want to battle. This feeling quickly passes as he almost shoots himself accidentally and decides to leave the roof. Curious as to who the enemy was, the Sniper goes over to the lifeless body, only to discover the enemy was his brother.
I think the message that the author is trying to send is that there are no restrains in war. There isn't an age requirement to participate, as the Sniper was a student, a young man: "His face was the face of a student" (O'Flaherty 86). Also, there are no limitations to who is killed. Gender and family ties disappear once in battle: "The woman darted toward the side street. The Sniper fired again" (87). Although women are generally left out of battle, the author shows that its not true entirely. "Then the Sniper turned over the dead boy and looked into his brother's face" (89). Although unaware that the enemy was his brother, there was never any thought given toward the possibility that the person he was trying to kill could be family. Throughout the story, there is a message of "kill or be killed" and is expressed very well by the Sniper, as he doesn't hesitate to do so. Being able to kill another person without any thought of family and gender, as well as, being young yourself, shows that there really are no boundaries in war.
I think the message that the author is trying to send is that there are no restrains in war. There isn't an age requirement to participate, as the Sniper was a student, a young man: "His face was the face of a student" (O'Flaherty 86). Also, there are no limitations to who is killed. Gender and family ties disappear once in battle: "The woman darted toward the side street. The Sniper fired again" (87). Although women are generally left out of battle, the author shows that its not true entirely. "Then the Sniper turned over the dead boy and looked into his brother's face" (89). Although unaware that the enemy was his brother, there was never any thought given toward the possibility that the person he was trying to kill could be family. Throughout the story, there is a message of "kill or be killed" and is expressed very well by the Sniper, as he doesn't hesitate to do so. Being able to kill another person without any thought of family and gender, as well as, being young yourself, shows that there really are no boundaries in war.
No comments:
Post a Comment