choose three examples of sound device usage - define the term and discuss how it enhances the meaning of the poem My Papa's Waltz by Theodore Roethke

1. Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words. In "My Papa's Waltz," Roethke uses alliteration in the lines "The whiskey on your breath / Could make a small boy dizzy." The repetition of the "w" sound in "whiskey," "your," and "breath," and the repetition of the "s" sound in "small" and "boy" creates a smooth and rhythmic flow in the lines, mimicking the swaying motion of a waltz. This alliteration helps to convey the sense of intoxication and disorientation that the speaker experiences as he dances with his father.

2. Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in neighboring words. In "My Papa's Waltz," Roethke uses assonance in the lines "We romped until the pans / Slid from the kitchen shelf." The repetition of the short "i" sound in "pans" and "slid" creates a sense of movement and playfulness in the lines. This assonance enhances the image of a father and son playfully dancing around the kitchen, causing chaos and mischief in their wake.

3. Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in neighboring words. In "My Papa's Waltz," Roethke uses consonance in the line "Such waltzing was not easy." The repetition of the "s" sound in "such," "waltzing," and "was" creates a sense of slowness and difficulty in the waltzing process. This consonance adds to the overall feeling of struggle and tension in the poem, as the speaker grapples with the conflicting emotions of fear and admiration for his father.

Overall, the use of sound devices in "My Papa's Waltz" helps to create a rich and immersive reading experience, enhancing the meaning and emotional impact of the poem. The repetitive sounds mirror the repetitive motion of the waltz, while also conveying the complex emotions and dynamics between the speaker and his father.