Meter and Rhythm Described in My Papa's Waltz

In the first stanza, the writer uses many techniques to convey the feeling of loss, when he says,

The beginning and the end of the poem give off two different vibes. The beginning of the poem seems dark: “But I hung on like death:/Such waltzing was not easy” (3-4). Why would someone take a waltz, which is light

kind,” (line 16) and “An’ almost lose ma mind.” (line 17). Finally he shows us his complete

"My Papa's Waltz" is a poem presented in a form that uses specific images and language to present a happy memory that a man has of his father, even in a situation where his father was drunk. Words such as "romped" (line 5), "waltzing" (line 4), "clinging to your shirt," (line 16)

A waltz is a song in ¾ time, meaning that there are three beats in each measure. Accordingly, the poem is written to sound like a waltz, making use of different spacing and separation of the lines. Certainly, this conjures up ideas of dancing and excitement. The way Roethke uses the exact word from the title at the end of the poem ties it together, giving it a sense of peace. Although “such waltzing was not easy,” the boy’s love for his father did not falter. In many cases, when something we truly love becomes difficult, we do not give up on it. In short, the flow the author uses emphasises the presence of his adoration for his father. The words he selects highlight the wonderful memories he has of this man who played an important role in his life.Notably, Roethke provides eye catching words that illustrate scenes that appeal to the same

The first stanza begins with a strong statement: "Abortions will not let you forget." It shows the sorrow

The waltz done in the poem also corresponds with the way the poem has been written. A waltz is done in ¾ time which is “To start this off, think of a waltz. You might count it out like this: One two three one two three (and so on). That 's ¾ time; each measure is three quarter-notes long (or the equivalent number of notes of other lengths).” (Neilfein) As one reads there is a pattern that is known as an iambic pentameter, which means “a verse form consisting of

“My Papa’s Waltz” written by Theodore Roethke in 1942 is a bottomless dark poem in which the narrator starts off by stating “The whiskey on your breath could make a small boy dizzy.” Leaving the daunting image in the poem of the boy’s father being a heavy drinker, while reminiscing through his childhood bringing back the memories of how their relationship transpired. Roethke uses assonance, rhyme schemes and a variety of different themes to convey his love for his father even through his faults.

The diction within the poem also captures the bonding experience. Roethke's word selection uniquely relates the event to a dance making the poem pleasantly fun. The overall effect of words such as "dizzy," (2) "waltzing,"(4) and "beat"(13) turn the lines of poetry into a merry shuffle between the father and son. Words such as "step"(11) and "waltzed"(15) fully invoke

“My Papa’s Waltz” is a 16 line poem, by Theodore Roethke, that most people read through one of two lenses. Some find the poem to be a completely light hearted memory that a child has of his father, while others can see a more morbid side of an abusive alcoholic father who is beating his child rather than waltzing. Whether you read it through the violent lense ot the innocent one there is no doubt that the poem is about a memory, whether scary or fun is up to the reader themselves.

Due to Theodore Roethke’s use of imagery, syntax, and diction, “My Papa’s Waltz” continues to spur passionate academic debate from professors, scholars, and students alike. Roethke uses these elements to allow the reader to recognize that he is reminiscing the intricate relationship he and his father shared. Although it is not essential, one could put the historical context into consideration. Evidently, there will always be individuals that see only abuse or a fond memory; however, we will never clearly know what his intention was in regards to the purpose of the poem. As a result, one must come to a realization based on the author’s use of diction, syntax, and imagery throughout the poem broken-down line by line; in order to fully

The last stanza of “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke summarizes and encompasses the full meaning and emotions conveyed in the

Theodore Roethke manipulates our emotions in this poem using literary convention. A Waltz is a lighthearted, easily accessible dance. In a waltz, a couple sways back and forth as they go in a circle. Our emotions of this poem seem to follow this same path as we can see comforting and

“My Papa’s Waltz” By theodore Roethke uses a cacophonous diction that creates a distinct comparison between connotation and denotation. In the first stanza; he states, “But i hung on like death.” This was towards the beginning of the poem that may give off an idea to the reader that the son’s life was in danger and as if he was being abused. The denotation of the line is that he’s just hanging on tightly to his father due to the fact that his father is woozy due to all the whiskey. Also, Roethke says, “You beat time on my head,” that builds off the idea of abuse. It makes it seem as if he’s consistently being abused by his father. He’s Just dancing with his son to the beat of the music. The diction he uses like “death” and “beat” associate

The relationship between a parent and child is potentially one of the most influential in a child’s life. A positive interaction often yields admiration, love or a sense of support. A negative relationship may yield distrust, animosity or a sense of solitude. Theodore Roethke’s poem, “My Papa’s Waltz,” describes the admiration of his hardworking father. The speaker, a young boy, depicts roughhousing with his father in the form of a waltz; expressing his desire to stay up and spend more time together though their relationship is detached. Seamus Heaney’s “Digging,” instills a sense of respect, pride, and a slight affliction for the speaker’s choice of the pen over the spade. The speaker has chosen a different path in life than that of his father and grandfather. Although written at different stages in life, both Roethke and Heaney write a poem about their families utilizing vivid imagery to demonstrate the love and pride they felt for these men.