The Sniper Suspense Analysis

In author Liam O’Flaherty’s story, “The Sniper”, he demonstrates expert use of suspense. The story takes place in the midst of the Irish civil war on a late evening of a June night with the main character, a young, nameless Republican sniper, stationed on a roof in Dublin, Ireland. The first display of suspense in the story takes place in the third paragraph where it states, “He was eating a sandwich hungrily. He had eaten nothing since morning. He had been to excited to eat,” this displays suspense by instilling multiple questions in the reader. “What was he excited for? Why is he excited? What is about to happen?” The second display of suspense takes place only moments later when the story says “He paused for a moment, considering whether he should risk a smoke. It was dangerous. The flash might be seen in the darkness, and there were enemies watching. He decided to take the risk,” this displays suspense by instilling worry and questions about what is about to happen. “What is he thinking?!! Is he

In the nineteenth paragraph it says “The Republican sniper smiled and lifted his revolver above the edge of the parapet. The distance was about fifty yards--a hard shot in the dim light, and his right arm was paining him like a thousand devils. He took steady aim. His hand trembled with eagerness. Pressing his lips together, he took a deep breath through his nostrils and fired,” the suspense here is overwhelming. It sends all kinds of thoughts through the reader's head, “Did he hit him? Was he spotted? Is he about to get shot? Did he miss? That was an amazing shot if he hit, and with a revolver too!” All of this combined and with the rest of the suspense is why Liam O’Flaherty is an expert at using suspense in his writing. He demonstrates expert use of suspense through his description of the situation and the danger it poses to the main