Comparative Analysis of My Papa's Waltz and “Those Winter Sundays”

Introduction

The poem, "My Papa's Waltz", written by Theodore Roethke, is written in such a way that creates many debate and contestation over the intended message and tone. Many interpret see, the poem as joyous and loving; others, including myself, view it with disgust and pity. The boy in this poem expresses his feelings toward his relationship between his father and himself. He possesses an attitude, which gives an example of the poet's ironic tone. The poetic language and poem structure create on the whole an explicit image, which assists in denoting the ideal significance of the poem.

Comparative Analysis of My Papa's Waltz and “Those Winter Sundays”

“My Papa's Waltz,” by Theodore Roethke, and “Those Winter Sundays,” by Robert Hayden, are two somewhat similar poems about respected fathers. To most people a father is not just the man who fertilizes their mother's egg, but a man that spends time with and takes care of them. While doing this, he gains their love and respect. In these two poems Roethke and Hayden take an admiring look back at the actions of their fathers, although; they both imply that their parents were not perfect.

The poem starts, "The whiskey on your breath could make a small boy dizzy," which tells the audience he has been drinking (Roethke 136). Carruth explains, "Incidents of violence often occur when the beater has been drinking heavily" (536). According to current statistics, "Alcohol is almost always involved in family violence. Up to 80% of all cases involve drinking, whether before, during or after the critical incident" (Somer 310). In a lot of cases when a child sees constant abuse to him it seems normal, almost like it's suppose to happen and it's alright that it happens.

As the poem continues some might think that the father is abusing his son, and this is what is causing the pots and pans to fall from the shelves. "We romped until the pans slid from the kitchen shelf" (136). To many readers this is how they see the picture of abuse. However other readers see the picture as the father and son dancing so hard that this is what causes all the racquet with the pots and pans. But if the dance is soft and flowing as is considered the waltz then how is this possible? Roethke says in his poem, "My mothers countenance cannot unfrown itself" (136). In this same room stands a mother next to her son. "About two in three Americans (64%) can personally help prevent child abuse" (310). The mother could help her son, but she doesn't because she's afraid of being hit or beaten. "Every fifteen seconds a woman will be abused by her husband and ten women a day are killed by their partners" (Somers 311-312). The mother only has the choice of looking angry and afraid of the situation.

The writer continues on: "The hand that held my wrist was battered on one knuckle" (Roethke ...