Justin K MacGregor INTL 3111-001 Mr.

Robert Arnold 19 September 2011 Literary Criticism Assignment Rena Korbs critical essay on Liam OFlahertys The Sniper takes a deep look at the political neutrality of the work. The idea that by making the two foes immersed in war, but without taking sides, the sniper and his counterpart could be as she says, any soldier, caught up in any deadly conflict. The fact that this work so deeply describes

the setting at the beginning, allows the readers at that time to place themselves there, and when published, the Irish Civil War was still ongoing. This meant the readers placed their own political beliefs and bias on what they read. Korb continues to state that OFlahertys disconnect of any political message, just two sides, allows both political thoughts to see the disconnects and how anyone can be an enemy. Though its not until the conclusion, that she says we see the enormity of loss that the Irish or any country in civil war, must endure during its happening, and the burden of their actions they must carry for a lifetime; as the story ends with, Then the sniper turned over the dead body and looked into his brothers face. I tend to agree with Korbs reasoning, especially that by not exploring the brother detail at the end of the story and its effect on the sniper; OFlaherty has left the readers to make their own judgments. They must think within themselves the cost of the war, and thus creating a far greater emotional impact and political message condemning civil war than actually picking a side or saying war is bad. As I initially read it, the emotional

disconnect by the sniper, seemed to stand out and if not horrify me to the effects of war, and think to myself, I couldnt live that way. The Sniper seems to give you a look at the dirty side-tales of war, especially civil war, and as a reader you can see the darkness, neighbors giving away neighbors, gunfire through the night, and the ultimate sacrafice for what you think is right. As you read, you begin to imagine the impact this disconnect is having on their emotional state for the rest of their lives, and it immediately makes you think - this has got to stop - even before the startling realization that hed shot his own brother. Its definitely a political message against the civil war, without the author ever

making a statement or stance of that nature - letting the audience make that call with their own beliefs and emotions is far more effective.