Sound devices used in My Papa's Waltz

1 answer

1. Alliteration: There is the use of alliteration in the poem "My Papa's Waltz" in phrases like "We romped until the pans/Slid from the kitchen shelf." The repetition of the "s" sound gives a sense of movement and energy, mimicking the waltz itself.

2. Consonance: Consonance is seen in the repetition of consonant sounds in the poem, such as in the line "The whiskey on your breath/Could make a small boy dizzy." The repetition of the "s" and "z" sounds create a sense of disorientation and confusion.

3. Assonance: Assonance is used in phrases like "With a palm caked hard by dirt." The repetition of the short "a" sound creates a harsh and gritty tone, reflecting the roughness of the father's hands.

4. Onomatopoeia: Onomatopoeia is used in the poem in words like "waltzed." The word itself sounds like the movement of dancing, adding to the rhythm and flow of the poem.

5. Repetition: The repetition of the word "waltz" throughout the poem creates a sense of continuity and reinforces the theme of dancing and movement.