Interpretation of “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke

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My Papa’s Waltz

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-Theodore Roethke

I prepared this note while I was doing my 2nd semester in BBA. I’ve used several online materials as the reference. But can’t really recall ‘em. Anyway, I’d like to give credits to those authors. 
I’m posting only the points for interpretation of the poem. 
[[[[ “My Papa’s Waltz” by Roethke is an intriguing poem. It usually splits most readers upon its interpretation: Very dark poem, OR Very touching piece, i.e. 
· Playful and Harmless “romp=play” between father and son. 
· Disturbing remembrance of physical child abuse. 
Every image here deserves to be pondered and tasted to the full, for its emotional richness. The overall tone and feeling contains love and pain, humor and nostalgia all blended. This poem is worth memorizing. 

  • Vivid image of nightmare ritual that shows the connection between father and son
  • Hardworking man who danced awkwardly but enthusiastically, creating a moment of intimacy with his child.
  • Tone was one of fond recollection that the adult speaker still remembers small details of this waltzing . Suggests that the child thoroughly enjoyed this dance.
  • Harsh father-son relationship violent dancing.
  • The father “beat time” on the child’s head and crashed around the room so much that the pans slid from the kitchen shelf.
  • Beating is the clear indication of abuse.
  • Buckle of Belt: Father uses whatever tools are available for beating.
  • Mother is guilty of not preventing the husband from beating the son.

The simile “hang on like death” is hardly a positive description of something a little boy would welcome. 
Death is threatening sound. ]]]]ç 
I hope this li’l piece of post helps the BBA Second Sem. Folks out there. 
Thank You!
©Linkinmyth: My Generation

 

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