The Sniper in Liam O'Flaherty's short story, "The Sniper," is a complex character who embodies the brutality and dehumanizing nature of war. He is a skilled marksman, dedicated to his cause, but also deeply affected by the violence he is forced to inflict.
A Skilled and Ruthless Soldier
- Expert Marksman: The Sniper is portrayed as a highly proficient shooter, able to take down his targets with precision and accuracy. He is described as "a cool and calculating killer," who "never missed his target."
- Dedicated to his Cause: He is deeply invested in his side of the conflict, believing in the righteousness of his cause. He is driven by a sense of duty and loyalty, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve victory.
- Ruthless and Detached: The Sniper shows little remorse or hesitation in killing his enemies. He sees them as mere targets, devoid of any humanity. His actions reveal a chilling detachment from the consequences of his violence.
A Man Haunted by War
- Haunted by Violence: Despite his skill and dedication, the Sniper is deeply affected by the violence he witnesses and participates in. He is shown to be increasingly disturbed by the killings he commits, with thoughts of "murderous hatred" and "a feeling of intense disgust."
- Loss of Innocence: The Sniper's experiences in the war have stripped away his innocence, leaving him hardened and cynical. He is forced to confront the dark side of human nature and the brutal realities of conflict.
- Yearning for Peace: Despite his dedication to his cause, the Sniper ultimately longs for peace. He desires to escape the violence and return to a life of normalcy. This is evident in his final action of throwing his rifle into the river, symbolizing his desire to abandon the path of war.
A Symbol of War's Dehumanizing Effects
The Sniper is not simply a character, but a symbol of the dehumanizing effects of war. He embodies the brutality, the detachment, and the psychological toll that conflict inflicts on individuals. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the destructive power of war and its ability to turn even the most compassionate individuals into hardened killers.
