The battle between the Free Staters and the Republicans in the 1922-1923 Irish Civil War provides the backdrop for “The Sniper.” Individuals prepare for a discussion of Liam O’Flaherty’s tragic short story by completing a study guide that asks them to define vocabulary words, identify literary terms, and answer fact-based questions about the tale. Consider providing groups with additional questions that require research into the civil war and critical thinking about issues raised by the story.

Concepts

the republican party, political parties

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Additional Tags

irish civil war 1922-1923, free staters, republicans, english language arts

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Pros

• The guide serves to focus readers' attention on important events in the story

Cons

• Of the 13 questions, 12 are text-based and ask readers to recall information from the story
• The final question requires that readers understand point of view and how the device influences a story

Common Core

RL.9-10.1