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ESL Worksheets

PADDY CLARKE HA HA HA, Roddy Doyle

ANALYSING THE NOVEL

    1. Read the first few pages of "Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha". Then read the first few pages of Maya Angelou’s "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings". Both books are about childhood, yet the styles are very different. Comment on:

(Note examples to support your comments.)

 2. What is the most distinctive aspect of Roddy Doyle’s writing? In other words, how is it different from most other novels you have read?

3. Make some notes on each of the following:

  • The SETTING (decade + contemporary references, geographical setting, social setting)
  • The MAIN CHARACTERS - especially Paddy and his family (Comment on: personality/interests/views; relationships (to individuals/society); heroes/heroines; socio-economic status; aspirations)
  • The PLOT – The novel does not have a conventional "Exposition >>> Climax >>> Resolution" structure. You might be tempted to say that it does have a plot. Comment, however, on the plot going on in the background, which Paddy only gradually becomes aware of. (How does Paddy’s physical environment change while these other, emotional changes are occurring?)

4. a) How would you describe this novel? (Comic? Tragic? Tragi-comic? A novel about the disintegration of a marriage? A novel about a child’s perception of adult events? Something else?) Explain.
   b) What is the theme of the book? (As you think about this, you will need to decide whether Doyle has presented Paddy’s father in a sympathetic light, or as a villain.)

5. What kind of adulthood would you predict for Paddy Clarke? ("Ha Ha Ha" or "Boo Hoo Hoo"?)

6. Building on your notes in No.1 above, what are the similarities and differences between this novel and Maya Angelou’s autobiography?

Frankie Meehan

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