My Papa's Waltz Analysis Essay

While the subject of “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke has spurred passionate academic debate from professors, scholars, and students alike, the context, syntax, and diction of the poem clearly support the interpretation that Roethke writes “My Papa’s Waltz” in remembrance of the fond memory he had waltzing with his father as a child. This idea of a kind memory has even been supported by Roethke himself. Many people at first glance conclude that this poem details an abusive household when in reality, the poem has a simple yet brilliant way of showing how Roethke viewed his father.

The words Roethke chose to use have an indecisive yet meaningful connotations surrounding them. Roethke’s choice of the word “whiskey” implies that his father
is a strong man who in the time frame would drink “whiskey” before returning home to his family. The father being intoxicated explains why he would “miss” a “step” as he is unable to control his movements. However, the child still enjoyed dancing with his father as they “romped” around. The mother could not “unfrown” herself because the pots and pans slid off the shelf or possibly she noticed the danger of them dancing so aggressively. Additionally, the “beat” the dad created with “palms caked hard by dirt” was the beat to the waltz which uses a ¾ beat. Roethke uses these words to convey to us the wonderful memory he had waltzing with his father.

Not only does the diction exemplify the idea of happiness, but the structure of the poem also assists in solidifying the idea that Roethke’s poem is indeed a pleasant memory. The way this poem is built gives an aged yet nostalgic feeling when being read. The poem is vague, which leads to different interpretations. However, the structure and status of the poem support the idea of it being a fond memory. The words are mostly tiny and readable implying the idea that a child is making these statements. Additionally, if the poem was about child abuse, it would have stated broadly as oppose to petite and manageable tone. These pieces of evidence clearly suggest the idea that Roethke created this poem not as a case of abuse, but of a pleasant and enjoyable moment dancing with his father.

Another significant piece of the poem would be the context of the poem.
This poem was created in 1961, a year which had different values and different expectations than what we now propose. Furthermore, Roethke writes this poem from the perspective of him as a child making the year this poem took place around 1910. This means that the poem took place a century ago which means many changes have taken place through the years. Men returning home intoxicated was not an uncommon thing back then. Additionally, men were not as delicate as they are now so the father taking hold of the child’s wrist would not be so unorthodox. Additionally, Roethke’s father worked in a greenhouse which would explain why his knuckle would be “battered” and his palms would “caked by dirt.” Furthermore, the author has stated that the poem is not an abusive tale but shifting towards a balance of parenthood one should expect. These statements and more confirm the belief that Roethke wrote “My Papa’s Waltz” as an loving memory.

“My Papa’s Waltz” is written as a tribute to Roethke’s father after he had passed, detailing the wonderful, pleasant, and fond memories they had dancing around the house. In reality, the diction, context, and structure of the poem favored a delightful fond tone with every word meaning something new and different. The power of poetry has sparked many disputes and ignited the flame in one’s heart to strive for greatness. Ultimately, Roethke never created “My Papa’s Waltz” about the
effects of abuse, but fondness.