Setting

Physical setting

The story “The Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty takes place in Dublin, Ireland. The mention of O’Connell Street, an important street in Dublin, helps in placing the story. 

The time setting is during the Irish Civil War, which took place between June 1922 and May 1923. As the action takes place during the summer, we can place the time setting at the beginning of the conflict, in the summer of 1922. The city is a war zone, with armored cars driving on the streets and snipers firing from rooftops. Civilians like the old woman, who may or may not take sides in the conflict, are also caught in the crossfire.

The action takes place over the course of several hours during the same day, in the same location. 

At the beginning, the sniper sits on the roof of th...