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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. At the end of the story, the reader learns that the story has been taking place on the corner of what street?
(a) Christchurch.
(b) O'Connell.
(c) Donnybrook.
(d) Lifford.

2. The description of the car "panting" (96) suggests what about the situation?
(a) The soldiers are exhausted.
(b) The fighting is animalistic.
(c) The technology they have available is primitive.
(d) The air is thick with smoke from the British artillery.

3. What causes the sniper to calm himself and get back to his job?
(a) He sees that the sun is nearly up.
(b) He realizes that he needs medical attention.
(c) He remembers the cause he is fighting for.
(d) He is nearly hit by his own bullet.

4. When the sniper turns over the body of his enemy, whom does he discover it to be?
(a) His own brother.
(b) His commander.
(c) His priest.
(d) A total stranger.

5. What bridge is near the sniper's position?
(a) O'Connell.
(b) Lifford.
(c) Nine Arches.
(d) Craigavon.

Short Answer Questions

1. Once he is wounded, what is the sniper's first priority?

2. How does the reader know the sniper's age?

3. What is the first physical sensation the sniper feels in the place where he has been shot?

4. What is the source of the sniper's respect for his fallen enemy?

5. Toward the end of the story, the sniper feels "remorse" (98). What is he feeling?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

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

4. How does the sniper react to being shot?

5. What are the two contrasting descriptions of the sniper given when he is first introduced?

6. 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?

7. What motivates the sniper to discover the identity of the dead man, and what is that identity?

8. When the reader first encounters the sniper, what is he doing, and why?

9. What is the sniper drinking, and what evidence does the reader have that it is affecting his judgement?

10. How does the sniper fool his enemy?

(see the answer keys)

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