Why does Dill say he will be a clown when he grows up?

In Chapter 22, Dill says that he wants to be a clown when he grows up. When questioned as to why he wants to become a clown, Dill says, "There ain't one thing in this world I can do about folks except laugh, so I'm gonna join the circus and laugh my head off." (Lee 289) Dill chooses the unusual career of becoming a clown because, in Dill's mind, clowns are always happy.

Dill is a sympathetic character who experiences several emotional struggles throughout the novel. He does not know his biological father and envies Scout and Jem for their positive relationship with Atticus. Dill's parents constantly dismiss him and give him little attention when he is at home. Although Dill receives plenty of tangible items, he truly craves his parents' love and affection. Dill runs away from his parents' house because he is lonely and upset. In addition to Dill's struggles at home, he mentions that his Aunt Rachel is a heavy drinker. Dill also experiences the harsh realities of racism during Tom Robinson's trial. He cries at the way the prosecution questions and belittles Tom Robinson. These negative experiences throughout Dill's young life lead him to his future career choice. Dill's reasoning is simple: clowns do nothing but laugh, and he would rather laugh than experience sadness throughout his life.