Paddy Clarke

A Study of the intriguing theme Childhood in Roddy Doyle’s
“Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha”


“Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha” is a captivating novel by the talented Irish writer, Roddy Doyle is set in the rural community of Barrytown, Dublin, around the 1960‘s. The story follows the life of a working class ten year old boy, called Paddy Clarke and gives a detailed and realistic account of his feelings and actions whilst his parents’ marriage slowly deteriorates. The theme of childhood is strong and important throughout the novel and by means of delving into the complex character of Paddy Clarke and using clever literary techniques such as sentence structure and word choice, Roddy Doyle manages to convey this theme exceptionally well.
The interesting theme of childhood is displayed in every aspect of the novel; one of which is through the childish game that Paddy Clarke and his friends invent to remain occupied in the quiet and secluded Barrytown. One...