Symbolism in My Papa’s Waltz: Critical Analysis

Topics:	My Papa's Waltz
Words:	449
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Updated:	12.08.2022

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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 natural imagery, and introspection. In 1948, Roethke wrote a poem speaking about a memory with his father when he was a young boy. Using literary devices enabled Roethke to present his emotions and help readers understand a more profound meaning. Theodore Roethke wrote My Papa’s Waltz to show that young children are optimistic about life however, they are observant and can understand the difficult situations they are exposed to as they grow older.

Symbolism is used through each stanza to signify ideas and sometimes used to give an entirely different meaning that is much deeper and significant. A child is destined to feel happiness and comfortable wherever that may be. Their mind gears towards positive images, in things they find enjoyment in even when those positive images hide a dark side to them. In the first stanza of My Papa’s Waltz, Roethke describes a moment that would occur when he and his father would be waltzing around, “The whiskey on your breath could make a small boy dizzy; but I hung on like death” (Lines 1-3). Roethke specifically decided to mention the smell of whiskey and associates with the word “death” to symbolize the effect it had on him as he grew older to understand circumstance his father was in. It is evident Roethke knew his father was intoxicated and knew it affected his physical movement. Patty Wipfler is the founder of a parenting blog that shows the effects shocking events have that children are exposed to. Wipfler goes on speaking about the different ways children react when they are confronted with situations they don’t fully understand, “It is not helpful for very young children to know all the details of what has happened. They can’t digest violent behavior and can become terrified by exposure to the graphic images and the feelings of horror and drama that we attach to the details.” Roethke decision to mention the smell of whiskey and hanging on to his father “like death” symbolizes the fear and love he had for his father. Of course, at a young age he doesn’t understand why his father does this to himself but can understand that his actions have a negative impact.

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Critical Analysis of The Poem “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke

Reader’s Reflection on My Papa’s Waltz by Theodore Roethke

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Symbolism in My Papa’s Waltz: Critical Analysis. (2022, August 12). Edubirdie. Retrieved December 5, 2025, from https://hub.edubirdie.com/examples/symbolism-in-my-papas-waltz-critical-analysis/

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