In Theodore Roethke’s “My Papa’s Waltz,” the young narrator perfectly exhibits the innocence of a child and his love for a parent. His tone shows the struggle and dedication to loving his father and looking up to him despite his poor habits and unreasonable behavior. Roethke acknowledges that his father has issues, but he does not let these hinder the unconditional love and respect that he has for him. The bond between a child and a parent is indescribably powerful and genuine, which is how Roethke pictures his feelings towards his father, regardless of the serious problems at hand. Roethke shows how a child’s innocence blinds him or her to the stress and negative actions that a parent may possess and how the child trusts in them because of his or her need for security, love, and comfort.  

Right away, the narrator recognizes, yet excuses, his father’s negative distractions that for some may be intolerable. Roethke reassures the audience of his disconcern for his father’s drinking habits, while noting the slight strain it puts on their relationship as he mentions, “But I hung on like death: Such waltzing was not easy” (Roethke, 90). Although he admits his father is an alcoholic, this seems to have no effect on his love for him or his desire to have a close relationship with him. As a young man, the narrator possessed a sense of innocence that allows him to disregard his father’s drinking habit and look past this obstacle while still looking to maintain the special father-son relationship sought by most. He looks at his alcoholism not as a selfish obsession, but rather as a way of relieving the stress put on him through the responsibility of providing for his family. To some, this father may seem abusive and egotistical, but to Roethke, he is a hardworking man struggling to take care of his family, and uses alcohol as a way to cope with the strain of responsibility. Before anything, Roethke accepts his dad for all his problems as someone he can look up to and count on to take care of him financially and physically no matter the circumstances. 

This child’s view of his father appears to be much different than that of his mother, which exemplifies the contrast between the empathy and innocence of an adult and a child. While the narrator continues to accept his father’s unhealthy habit, he explains his mother’s discontentment with his behavior as he notes, “My mother’s countenance Could not unfrown itself” (Roethke, 91). Unlike her son, the mother does not excuse the father of his actions, and the emotional consequences it has placed on her specifically. As an adult, she seems to have shed the layer of innocence and ability to forgive and excuse others easily.  It is easy for her to focus on how the situation looks from the surface and assume the worst from her husband when he has been physically and verbally abusive to her in the past. Her tolerance for his unacceptable behavior is understandably low. The son, however, clings to his innocence and uses it to his advantage when it comes to maintaining a close relationship with his father. As a growing individual who needs a role model, protector, and provider, Roethke looks far past his father’s alcoholism, focusing on his dedication to being a father and head of the household. 

Though some may interpret the father’s rough nature as abusive or aggressive, to Roethke it appears to be his way of stepping up as a man to uphold his responsibilities as head of the family. The father’s hands, which the narrator describes, “With a palm caked hard by dirt” (Roethke, 91),  shows the manual labor he must perform in order to financially support his family. This physical stress of working hard to provide for his wife and child clearly leads the father to pick up unhealthy habits and behaviors that can be potentially be harmful in the eyes of some. However, the son seems to put himself in his father’s shoes and see these habits and behaviors not as malicious or out of resent, but rather as a result of his good intent and dedication to being the man of the house. Roethke shows his unending support and respect for his father, who cares for his son so much that even at the end of a long, hard day, he takes the time to put his son to bed and spend time with him. Though adults may see this man as irresponsible or selfish because of his drinking problem, his virtuous child sees through this issue and looks at a man who is loving and caring on the inside. In the end, all he seeks is his father’s approval and love.

Children tend to be blind to many forms of negativity in life, especially when it comes to those they love and care for- such as a parent. Letting go of bad experiences or traits people may possess is easy for a child, as they seem to always find the good in others. Their lack of life experience keeps them more pure and sheltered, which becomes apparent as they see the best instead of the worst in people. Roethke overlooks his father’s alcoholism and focuses on the person he knows his father is on the inside. Only the heart of a child is capable of such love, empathy, and compassion needed to seal the bond between a child and parent. Their openness to love and willingness to hold on tight despite all obstacles makes it easier for parents or other adults to want to provide them with the love and protection needed to develop properly. Humans need a support system in order to survive, which is why children tend to be more loving and accepting of others. 
