The Violence of Child Abuse in My Papa's Waltz by Theodore Roethke

Revealing Child Abuse in “My Papa’s Waltz”      In Theodore Roethke’s “My Papa’s Waltz,” the persona reveals an incidence of child abuse that happened earlier in his life. He divulges the occurrence of abuse through the use of certain words and noting the actions that go on during the “waltz.” Through the use of graphic diction, Roethke informs the reader that “My Papa’s Waltz” depicts an episode of child abuse.      The persona Roethke creates discloses

In fact some believe that the “Waltz dance” reflect a happy and joyful memories in the eyes of the child. According to McKenna John on his “Revisions and the Tone of “My Papa’s Waltz,” Theodor had a problem choosing the title “Roethke struggled with two choices: "Waltz/Dance" and Papa/Father.” I believe that if Theodor had chosen “My Father Dance” as a title, it would have created more confusion to the reader. The meaning of the

In “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke, the writer reflects on his childhood experience with his father through a memory of dancing a waltz. Roethke describes the dance with details that hint at physical force coming from a possibly drunk dad. The reader is left to construe whether the relationship is simply a carefree love or if it has a darker meaning, possible parental abuse. Roethke uses particular structure, language, and characterization to develop an somewhat ambiguous relationship that

Poet and American journalists, Theodore Roethke in his descriptive poem “My Papa’s Waltz” portrays the intense connection he once felt with his father. He develops his message through explaining the moments from his childhood. In addition, according to stanza one “The whiskey on your breath could keep a small boy dizzy” infers his father was under the influence of alcohol which reveals the difficulty his son had to face, though his son kept “hanging on like death.” Further, the author creates a reflexive

experiences they have as a child. The poems "My Father's Song," by Simon J. Ortiz, and "My Papa's Waltz," by Theodore Roethke, are two similar poems written about a father and child relationship. My Papa's Waltz" creates a debate whether the father-son relationship is sweet loving memory or a confession of childhood abuse. The two poems are spoken from the child's point of view during a memorable event in their childhood. The poems "My Father's Song and "My Papa's Waltz" both share a theme of admiration

Knuckles While the subject of “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke has spurred passionate academic debate from professors, scholars, and students alike, the imagery, syntax, and diction of the poem clearly supports the interpretation that Roethke writes “My Papa’s Waltz” to reflect back to his sentimental memories with his father. In brief, Roethke leaves the audience with an unclear understanding of what the meaning of the poem is. In discussions of “My Papa’s Waltz,” one controversial issue is the

Theodore Roethke’s, “My Papa’s Waltz” is a short but extremely powerful poem. The message Theodore Roethke is delivering in this poem is that love will always oust hate. The speaker recalls numerous tragic events he would endure throughout his childhood that most others would certainly want to bury deep away and never relive. The speaker thinks back to nights his father would barge into their house like an angry storm. His breath reeking of whiskey as he lashed out on the ones who loved him the most

speaker's detached relationship their with father. However, this image of their relationship is paired with remorse and regret that the speaker as he was unable to see what his father did to provide for him. Theodore Roethke's "My Papa's Waltz" creates a seemingly warmer and loving image of a father and child yet has a much darker message. Double meanings of words in actuality describe an abusive relationship between the father and the speaker. While both poems convey the relationship between the speakers

With My Father When introduced to “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke, there is a sense of nostalgia; like watching an old black and white movie. Contradictory to the title however, the poem depicts a perplexing scene of a father drunkenly dancing his son up to bed. There is a bit of controversy about this poem over whether this is about a childhood memory of a son’s cherished moment with his father, or if it is about a violent, dysfunctional family situation. In fact it is both. Theodore Roethke

Abuse is a difficult and sensitive subject that can have long lasting effects. These traumatic emotional effects are often intensified if the abuse happens at a young age because children do not understand why the abuse is happening or how to deal with it. There are many abuse programs set up to counter the severe effects which abuse can have. Even more, poets and writers all over the world contribute works that express the saddening events and force the public to realize it is much more real than