In the poem, “My Papas Waltz”, written by Theodore Roethke, he creates a lot of room for interpretation and meaning of the overall message of the poem. The message can easily be overlooked and misinterpreted. The relationship between the father and child can also be argued as to what kind of relationship the author is trying to portray. The violence in this poem is masked by Roethke by his use of the word waltz when describing the sexual assault and violence the father is harming his son with. A waltz is usually described as a fluent and beautiful dance. However, in this poem it is used to mask the horror and gravity of what is really occurring. Roethke’s use of literary devices such as metaphors, tone and mood, characterization, setting, and diction help to further his argument and reveal the true figurative, interpreted meaning behind the relationship between the father and his son and the significance of the waltz. 

The setting of any work of literature helps create the scene and establishes a tone and mood for the reader. Specifically, in “My Papa’s Waltz” the setting is important because it helps the readers to create their own interpretations of where the poem is taking place. On lines 5-6 when the author says, “We romped until the pans slid from the kitchen shelf” it can be inferred the “waltz” is taking place in the kitchen of the home. The author also creates sets the scene when he says “The whiskey of your breath could make a small boy dizzy” (lines 1-2). It is evident the father has come home intoxicated once again, and his son is being exposed to his obnoxious behaviors and actions. The setting is set from these lines because the reader now forms this image of an abusive father and his son. 

The use of characterization helps to establish relationships between characters and highlights the effects of their actions on one another. For example, it can be inferred the main relationship of this poem is the father and child. There is another relationship which is briefly touched upon by the author. Although Roethke seems to be focused on the narrator’s relationship with his father, he mentions his mother’s role. The reader is unsure of her significance and whether or not she has any power in her marriage, but it can be implied she is more of a bystander. On lines 5-8 when Roethke says, “We romped until the pans slid from the kitchen shelf; My mother’s countenance could not unfrown itself” it shows she is not very happy with her husband and son. She is upset by the chaos and disorder they are causing by banging into the pots and pans. However, if the mother’s personality was described differently, this would have changed the overall tone of the poem making it much more pleasant. She does not care to fulfill a role model figure in the household, making it hard for her son to feel any form of affection and love towards him. He is emotionally unstable due to the lack of a support system from his parents during this situation. Her lacking role as a mother in her husband and son’s relationship has a direct effect on the overall mode and tone. 

Roethke’s word choice shows the varying emotions the narrator feels for his father. Through the use of the word “death” a serious tone is created for the reader. The author uses specific diction to address the underlying idea that the father and son’s relationship is not a strong and healthy one. When first reading the poem one might infer the little boy possesses a carefree attitude and enjoys the company his dad provides him with. He mentions how he “hung on” to his father which leaves the reader to believe he enjoys dancing (line 3). However, when he adds the words, “like death” to the line, it immediately changes the tone. Within a line, it changes from a delightful and radiant feeling to a sense of gravity and fear. By using the words “romped” and “the pans slid from the kitchen shelf” this creates an image of a rougher encounter versus an elegant and graceful dance (lines 5-6). Throughout this rough behavior, the son still reaches out to his father for some form of love and affection. Overall, the diction affects the overall tone and mood of the poem. When digging deeper, the poem reveals to be a disturbing story of an unsupportive and abusive father, a disarranged family, and a young boy helplessly reaching seeking love and affection from his father. By using this specific diction, the poem can be understood in a much clearer way. 

Theodore uses metaphors in his poem to describe the relationship with his father to his readers. The narrator is notably dependent on his father and the metaphor “but I hung on like death” shows this. Although the father doesn’t provide much love and support as a dad, the child is still always relying on him throughout his life. The author says “still clinging to your shirt” to describe the codependence of the narrator. Roethke’s use of metaphors helps the reader to better understand the meaning behind the father and son’s relationship. 

Even with the use of figurative devices, the overall concept and meaning may still appear unclear to readers. Some readers may analyze this poem as one of an uplifting relationship between a father and his son. However, others may believe there is a masked message of abuse and sexual assault hidden within its lines. On line 15 when it says, “still clinging to your shirt” some may assume the boy does not want to go to bed yet and wants to continue “dancing” and enjoy his father’s company. Others can interpret this line as the father demonstrating aggressive behaviors to his son. It is evident readers can never be right nor wrong in their interpretations.

The overall meaning and message can be overlooked and misinterpreted. The author’s focus and motivation for writing this poem can be masked by the title as well as the use of the word “waltz”. Through the diction, metaphors, characterization, and setting the reader can analyze and interpret its meaning. Therefore, each reader will have their own interpretation of the author’s purpose and message behind his work. Overall, the true meaning of this poem will always remain unknown to its reader. Although, it can still be interpreted and analyzed through various literary devices and figurative techniques.
