Margaret J. Wheatley, once said, “Everyone in a complex system has a slightly different interpretation. The more interpretations we gather, the easier it becomes to gain a sense of the whole.” Reading this makes me think of all the different things we can find different in each other’s lives. In the poem “My Papa’s Waltz,” by Theodore Roethke, the tone is written to subtly convey the speaker’s resentment toward his father. The first comparison we come to likens of the...
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A father should be a role model for his son. Perhaps going to the kitchen with his son to turn the radio to an oldy and waltz together. They have fun as the child romps and tries to figure out what his father’s doing and follow his footsteps. Oftentimes, this perfect world isn’t reality. Sometimes kids have a father who goes to work, and comes home late after hours at the bar. They go to the kitchen just to stumble...
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Introduction: Theodore Roethke's poem "My Papa's Waltz" has sparked considerable debate and controversy regarding its interpretation. While some argue that the poem portrays a nostalgic and tender father-child relationship, others contend that it depicts a scene of child abuse. In this persuasive essay, we will explore the latter interpretation, presenting a case for why "My Papa's Waltz" can be seen as a poem that raises awareness about the subtle forms of abuse that exist within familial relationships. Body: Understanding the...
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Have you ever seen or had a bad relationship with a male figure in your life? Children around the world get abused every day, weather is physical or mental abuse leaving an impact on their lives forever. In the two poems “Daddy” by Sylvia Plath and “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke the main subject that the authors portray is their fathers. “Daddy” and “My Papa’s Waltz” are both still similar but do not have the same tones throughout. Plath...
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The poem “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke is a somewhat polarizing poem about the relationship between a father and his son. The poem is polarizing because of the language used and how one can draw very different interpretations of this brief poem. The relationship can either be viewed as one of love or one of abuse between the boy and his father. Roethke deliberately ensures that neither is clear in the use of his language. I believe the relationship...
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Poems give the opportunity to writers to show a message in a short format. Unlike short stories and plays, writers have the capability to design a stanza structure in any way they feel that will have an effect on them and/or the readers. Poems have a connection with song writing, they are nearly always rhythmical, and have some sort of figurative language such as using similes or metaphors. Theodore Roethke, an American poet, is recognized by his poetry by using...
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My Papa’s Waltz by Theodore Roethke was published in 1942. The poem has a simple rhyme scheme. At first read, it is easy to assume that this little boy is commenting on dancing around with his dad after his father has been drinking. However, depending on the reader, this poem can be seen as a metaphor for the boy being abused by his father. For instance, the word “Waltz” can be used as a symbol, perhaps it could be interchangeable...
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The bond between a parent and a child is not only one of the strongest, but, it also has the ability to be the most complicated. This intricate bond is exhibited in both “Medusa”, written by Sylvia Plath, as well as Theodore Roethke’s poem, “My Papa’s Waltz.” These two poems are written in first person point view about a child’s feelings towards a far from perfect parent. While both of these poems are about a child’s view on the complex...
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“My Papa’s Waltz” is a domestic ballad illustrating a jovial waltz around the kitchen – a snapshot- fueled by nostalgia, reflection, and love, allowing the reader to contemplate their childhood and family. Roethke’s expert use of rhythm, rhyme and language enraptures the reader, creating an emotive piece which universally resonates with the audience. Conversely, when this simplicity is abandoned, chaos and vulnerability prevail. Sinister themes emerge and a sense of fear towards the father is uncovered. The true meaning is...
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