When it comes to the topic of ¨My Papa's Waltz¨ written by Theodore Roethke, most people will readily agree that this poem is about a loving memory. Where this agreement usually ends, however, is on the question of when is it fine to abuse a child because a father got drunk? Whereas some are convinced that the poem is about a fond memory, others maintain that it's about abuse. While the subject of ¨My Papa's Waltz¨ has spurred passionate academic debate from professors, scholars, and students alike, the imagery, syntax and diction of the poem clearly support the interpretation that Theodore Roethke wrote ¨My Papa's Waltz¨ to show his abusive relationship between him and his father.
To begin, the author uses negative imagery to give details on their relationship. In the poem he uses ¨The whiskey on your breath could make a small boy dizzy” shows readers how Roethke is explaining that that night his father was drunk. He uses words like “death,” “battered,” and “beat” these words have negative connotation to them. Readers can infer that their relationship was miserable.
Simultaneously, Roethke’s word choice (diction) has an important role. In particular, the word “romped” means to play rough. From the way the author describes his father being drunk; we can …show more content…
Roethke makes it obvious with his use of imagery, word choice, and syntax. Each of these elements explains to the readers that as a small boy he was being abused. On the other hand, people think it's a fond memory even though the poem is negative. Throughout the poem the author uses negative imagery to illustrate the abusive relationship they have. At the same time his use of word choice is carefully chosen so the readers can understand the poem. Meanwhile, the syntax gives hints and makes the readers observe certain lines in the poem. We can conclude Theodore Roethke wrote “My Papa’s Waltz” to portray an abusive relationship with a father and
To begin, the author uses negative imagery to give details on their relationship. In the poem he uses ¨The whiskey on your breath could make a small boy dizzy” shows readers how Roethke is explaining that that night his father was drunk. He uses words like “death,” “battered,” and “beat” these words have negative connotation to them. Readers can infer that their relationship was miserable.
Simultaneously, Roethke’s word choice (diction) has an important role. In particular, the word “romped” means to play rough. From the way the author describes his father being drunk; we can …show more content…
Roethke makes it obvious with his use of imagery, word choice, and syntax. Each of these elements explains to the readers that as a small boy he was being abused. On the other hand, people think it's a fond memory even though the poem is negative. Throughout the poem the author uses negative imagery to illustrate the abusive relationship they have. At the same time his use of word choice is carefully chosen so the readers can understand the poem. Meanwhile, the syntax gives hints and makes the readers observe certain lines in the poem. We can conclude Theodore Roethke wrote “My Papa’s Waltz” to portray an abusive relationship with a father and