Roddy Doyle's use of the first person narrative voice allows us to access Paddy’s feelings and his disjointed thoughts. The characters' Irish accent and natural speech make the novel seem realistic.
The title of the novel introduces the child protagonistThe chief character in a novel, film or play., with its “Ha Ha Ha” suggesting laughing and fun.
Indeed, Paddy is introduced in an atmosphere of play. Much of the opening section involves the games and mischievous adventures he and his friends get up to.
However, at the end of the novel we realise the title refers to the taunts the other boys use to tease Paddy after his father leaves. Cruelly, they sing:
Paddy Clarke –
Paddy Clarke –
Has no da.
Ha ha ha!
Therefore - although this does not become clear to us until we get to the end - the title shows the tragicomedyA play or novel that blends elements of both comedy and tragedy, making it both sad and funny. nature of the novel.
poignantBringing about a sense of sadness or regret., the laughter in the title is both real laughter and the cruel taunting of bullying youths.