An Explication of "My Papa's Waltz" by Theodore Roethke

Theodore Roethke did an excellent job of conveying the theme of abuse versus forgiveness when he authored "My Papa's Waltz." Although the beginning of the poem may strike the reader as heartfelt and content, the obviousness of abuse by an alcoholic father unfurls as the child of that abuse steadily suggests his love and admiration for the father. Click here to read "My Papa's Waltz."

The first line of the poem already begins to diffuse thoughts of uncertainty by involving alcohol, "The whisky on your breath," which most can assume as either the 'highlight' of the story or the reason for dehumanization in the narrative to come. However, whiskey is generally a means for negative impression in this day and age due to its history of causing fights and even bankruptcy starting in the 1700s. The second line begins to acknowledge that the father is the person addressed and goes on to literalize how intoxicated the father is.

As one sees in the third line, symbols of love the child had for the father are vividly created. Often we love something so powerfully, i.e. "But I hung on," (3) no matter how much it ruins us, i.e. "like death" (3) that we never give up trying to win over their love for us. Death is hardly a description that would make a child, no matter the age, feel happy or welcome. Death can also be an unfortunate outcome to abuse, which has already been mildly suggested.

In the fourth line we read, "Such waltzing," where Roethke utilized waltzing as a way to illustrate the painful act that unfortunately took place between the child and father. Though thought of as a type of dance, the author meant it not literally, but metaphorically. One way Webster's Pocket Dictionary defines "waltz" is 'to advance successfully and easily'; which makes perfect sense for why Roethke finished that line with, "was not easy." (4)

The entire second stanza of this poem portrays the full act of abuse. "We romped until the pans slid from the kitchen shelf," (5-6) exploits the hostility and, of course, the drunkenness involved. It is here, however, that Roethke uses one of his content words, which is likely to mislead the reader. "Romped" generally indicates a fun and enjoyable time. However, romping around hard enough so that your dishes slide from the shelf is hardly being carefree.

The mother's stance greatly contributes to this reading. Roethke clearly establishes that she is guilty for not preventing the father from beating her child; she sees what is happening, but does nothing to stop it. She apparently does not disregard it either since she has a "countenance" (7) that "could not unfrown itself." (8) This ambivalence is very typical in an abusive relationship. The mother's extreme displeasure is just another cue that the father is acting inappropriately with the child. Yes, her facial expression could have been that of a perturbed mother while her husband and child were making a mess; however, that kind of mood can be unfrowned.

"The hand that held my wrist," is the ninth line, which starts off the third stanza. You hold a hand when dancing, not a wrist. You hold a wrist when being forceful. Roethke also paints a grim picture of the hand that held his wrist as shown by the tenth line, "Was battered on one knuckle," which reinforces the thought of physical abuse being involved. This clumsiness note leads us to, "every step you missed," (11) and the last line in that stanza, "My right ear scraped a buckle." (12) This is what happens to the boy as the ungainly father stumbles around while beating him with his belt. This line could also be a metaphor of mental abuse symbolizing the pain involved. The strength of a belt for abuse is very powerful; this is a very intimidating tool for a parent to utilize when attempting to discipline their children.

In the last stanza, Roethke combines bad and good connotations leaving the reader with a very hazy picture of the reality. To use the word "beat" as the author did in line thirteen, is harsh and in no way represents something positive. Webster's Pocket Dictionary defines "beat" as: to strike repeatedly; to defeat. Apparently the boy had some problems with authority throughout the course of his life, which led his father to punish him 'repeatedly'. Although this is a course of action that parents often take, it is far from one that is appropriate.

In the fifteenth line, the father "waltzed" him "off to bed" as if nothing ever happened; as happens in most cases of abuse, especially when alcohol is involved. The parent may feel ashamed [or in some cases, no remorse] when they realize what they have done. The child may fear the consequences of talking about the abuse. These are just a couple of reasons that the parents and children feel it is better to pretend that the abuse never occurred.

The final line of this poem again represents the love the child has for his father and the desire for the child to be loved by the father. "Still clinging to your shirt," (16) denotes a fear of letting go (the father obviously has influence over him) and the adamancy of wanting to receive that love despite the consequences.

Throughout this poem, Theodore Roethke embarks across a journey of broad abuse, describing the abuse itself. Roethke still allows the reader to sense some sort of forgiveness or idolization for the father. It is evident that the child puts the father on a pedestal, despite the fact that the father is less apt to notice and take into consideration the child's gestures. It is because of the child's reverence that the poem is titled so lightly as if in adoring recognition. This was a very touching poem about abuse that was written from an admiring child's standpoint.