 “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke allows the reader to gain the impression that a father is in the kitchen waltzing with his son. When the readers see the word waltz, it allows us to assume the impression that there is a strong father-son relationship. It is not until we pay close attention to the detailed wording of the poem that we realize it may not be as happy as the title suggests. Once the author uses words such as “romped”, “scraped”, and “beat” the reader can analyze that the environment that they assumed to be a happy waltzing moment is now seen for what it really is; not a happy waltz, if a waltz at all. By looking at the strong wording throughout the poem, the reader can also see the abusive relationship between the father and son. These details are important because it is not conveyed in the title and provides irony to the real meaning of the poem.

The word choice of this poem is what allows the reader to interpret the true meaning of the poem. The words “romped”, “unfrown”, “battered”, “scraped”, and “beat” provide evidence that the father is not waltzing, which is what we would assume because of the title. While you read the poem for the first time the reader can assume the father is just a clumsy drunk and cannot keep his balance. Once you dive deeper into the meaning and word usage you see that the family is truly dysfunctional. This is assumed by the violent words used and also the mothers unchanging, sad expression. The readers can also assume that the father is an abusive man and that the mother does not feel comfortable interfering due to the fear the father has caused and the potential abuse she may receive.

Throughout the poem you gain a sense of irony, which plays a very strong part of the poem overall, especially within the title itself. For example, a father and son who are waltzing should be having a fun time together but instead the poem leads you to believe they are not enjoying themselves. When you take into account “the smell of whiskey”, “the dizziness”, and “the falling pans” it makes for a waltz that is not enjoyable for the son. It is also ironic how clear the mother is unhappy about the situation, but she is too frightened to speak up for her son in fear for herself. The irony is provided because without reading the poem itself, it’s made out to be a happy story of a father and son dancing, which is not the case at all once you read through it and analyze it.

Similes and metaphors are also present in the poem. “But I hung on like death” is a simile telling how the boy hangs on to his father because he loves him, but also because he is scared to let go in fear it will bring him even more pain. Death is such a powerful and serious word that you know the boy is scared of his father. He holds on in hopes that it will end and he can go to bed. The poem itself is an extended metaphor. The father’s waltz represents the dysfunctionality of the family and the dominant, violent role of the father. Similes and metaphors provide a more vivid image of the poem, allowing the reader to better understand the meaning.

A waltz in music is written in a three/fourth time signature. This poem is written as an iambic trimeter, meaning it has three stressed syllables and three unstressed syllables in each line. In the last stanza the first line is “You beat time on my head” which is referencing the dad hitting his son but also a reference to the music itself, which could be interpreted as a metaphor as well. The father kept time by hitting his son on the head as he held on so tightly. The “Waltz” in the title is directly related to this father’s way of abusing his son, which is why the son calls it his “Papa’s Waltz”. 

Children have a natural born tendency to love their parents no matter what, even if there are some issues in the relationship. It’s been made clear this particular family has a problem with the father being violent when he is drunk, yet the son still holds on to him because he can’t help but love his father and he doesn’t know how else to react. Lots of families in this day and age have problems with family abuse, typically involving the father causing the conflict. There are many different cases where the situation can get better, remain the same, or get even worse. In this poem it is hard to comprehend whether or not it will continue routinely with the evidence provided. It is clear it is not a new occurrence in the household, as the mother stands by and watches and the son holds on because he knows it will end sooner rather than later.

Overall, “My Papa’s Waltz” shows a serious issue many families still struggle with today, as this was written in 1942. This is why the poem can be relatable to many and easily understood by all, because abuse is a major problem within families all over the world. Children feel helpless and if it isn’t fixed while they are children, it’s likely they will pass on the same aggressive ways to their family if they choose to have one. The author tells a story of a boy who is abused by his father in a way that is a hidden underneath different forms of figurative language.
