Theodore Roethke uses a dancing metaphor to explain the complex bond between a father and son in "My Papa's Waltz." This poem's first lines depict the speaker's father's movements, whiskey breath, and how "Such waltzing was not simple." Very quickly, it becomes clear that this waltzing is spinning cRead more
Theodore Roethke uses a dancing metaphor to explain the complex bond between a father and son in “My Papa’s Waltz.” This poem’s first lines depict the speaker’s father’s movements, whiskey breath, and how “Such waltzing was not simple.” Very quickly, it becomes clear that this waltzing is spinning chaos of pattern violence. This “dance” the two are performing is not brand-new. They made a mess as they “romped” and “waltzed” around the kitchen, to the mother’s chagrin, until he brought his son to bed while holding his wrist.
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Allusion: Allusions are brief mentions that do not receive much explanation from the writer. Authors and poets use allusions as a quick way to bring meaning to their writing. Throughout this poem, there are allusions to an undercurrent of violence that makes this “dance” all the stranger. EnjambmentRead more
My papa’s waltz Summary
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