Rhythm and Meter in My Papa
In “ My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke, the rhythm and meter, for the most part, share a close relationship with one another. The rhythm throughout most of the poem gives it a light beat, similar to that of a waltz. The meter, which is set in iambic trimeter, reinforces a swift and upbeat musical ambience. Although, on the surface, the rhythm and meter of the poem don’t seem to reflect the seriousness of what is happening, Roethke uses both devices to underscore the fact that there is something “off” about this waltz. Normally, rhythm works as an emotional stimulus, and serves to heighten our awareness to what is going on in a poem. However, on the surface, “My Papa’s Waltz” seems to do the exact opposite. Roethke uses the rhythm to set up a happy “waltz-like” environment for the reader, in order to make the subject of the abuse easier to read. Similarly, the main image of the waltz is also shown through the meter. o / o / o / (Line 1) v _ | v _ | v _ |
v _ | v _ | v _ o / o / o / o || v _ | v _ | v _
Some topics in this essay:
Papa’s Waltz”,
Papa’s Waltz,
Theodore Roethke,
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rhythm meter,
roethke rhythm,
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whiskey breath,
caked hard,
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Approximate Word count = 788
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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