Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha is a story of childhood, loss, and disappointment. The story is told in the unconventional manner of a first person narrative, where the narrator and protagonist, Paddy Clarke, takes the reader through a harsh and chaotic year in the life of a 10-year-old Northern Irish boy. Paddy and his friends play and explore in their village, where life forces them through the sometimes-horrific process of growing up. Specifically, Paddy’s relationship with his brother Sinbad changes due to many of the outside influences and happenings that surround them, such as relationships with friends, and their parents’ relationship with each other.
Early on, Paddy seemingly has no relationship at all with Sinbad. He is much more concerned with impressing his friends, or those people he wants to be his friends, and sees his brother as the perfect means for doing so. He invokes horrible methods of torture or performs cruel tests on his brother to try to win the respect of his friends. Subconsciously, Paddy enjoys this simply because he feels superior by forcing these things on his brother and feels he now has some status in the group. For example, Paddy pours lighter fluid into Sinbad’s mouth and sets it on fire, showing the
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When he is finally released, he simply “turned on his stomach, pushed up, stood up, and stepped out. Sinbad was attempting to create a more pleasant environment and draw attention away from the just-completed fight. This makes Paddy realize that Sinbad is no longer just a way to impress his friends but also a human being who can sometimes get the better of him. Through the fights and arguments, the attempts at being nice, and everything else these two young boys have been through, their relationship has endured both the good and the bad and is well on its way to becoming the relationship Paddy seems to want. He feels he has to impress them, and under no circumstances can he show that he may actually like his younger brother. However, as the two grow closer, Paddy’s hatred is just a facade in front of his peers. Up to that time, Paddy would have been amused by this and would have been glad that Sinbad was in trouble.
However, at times, the two brothers have very much in common, especially when it comes to their parents. Much to his avail, Da is wise to his efforts and knows exactly what he is trying to do. ” Paddy has a clear sense of pride from rescuing his brother and for the first time Paddy reveals just a little bit of the care he has for his brother. He ignores Paddy and does not wish to speak to him—no matter what he is not willing to forgive Paddy simply because he has changed. Slowly Paddy gains more and more respect for his brother and soon realizes that he should call him by his proper name, Francis. When the two play football, although Paddy acknowledges to himself that his brother has brilliant skills, he is envious of his brother and once again tries impress his friends by giving Sinbad’s team a two to nothing lead. As hard as Paddy tries, Sinbad is too young to realize how Paddy has changed and continues to dislike his brother for all the things he has done to him.
Approximate Word count =
1002
Approximate Pages =
4 (250 words per page double spaced)
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