1. Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. In "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke uses alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality in the poem. For example, in the lines "The whiskey on your breath / Could make a small boy dizzy," the repetition of the "w" sound in "whiskey" and "breath" and the "b" sound in "boy" and "dizzy" adds a certain flow to the poem. This rhythmic quality enhances the feeling of the waltz being danced between the father and the speaker, as well as the sense of movement and intimacy in their relationship.
2. Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within a line of poetry. In "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke uses assonance to create a sense of harmony and dissonance throughout the poem. For example, in the lines "We romped until the pans / Slid from the kitchen shelf," the repetition of the short "o" sound in "romped," "pans," and "from" gives a sense of playfulness and movement, while the long "i" sound in "slide" and "kitchen" creates a feeling of instability and danger. This contrast between the sounds mirrors the complex emotions of the speaker towards their father, adding depth and nuance to the poem.
Sound Device: Choose two 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. Please note - Students may NOT offer discussions about “Rhyme” as it is our Discussion example.
5 answers
different two
1. Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words in close proximity. In "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke uses consonance to create a sense of harmony and connection between the father and the speaker. For example, in the lines "My mother’s countenance / Could not unfrown itself," the repetition of the "n" sound in "countenance" and "unfrown" creates a sense of unity and continuity in the poem. This consonant repetition conveys the shared experience between the father and the speaker, as well as the speaker's complex emotions towards their father.
2. Onomatopoeia: Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sound they describe. In "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke incorporates onomatopoeia to evoke a sense of movement and energy in the poem. For example, in the lines "The hand that held my wrist / Was battered on one knuckle," the word "battered" mimics the sound of a rough or forceful touch, emphasizing the physicality of the dance between the father and the speaker. This use of onomatopoeia enhances the vivid imagery in the poem and immerses the reader in the visceral experience of the waltz, as well as the raw and physical nature of the relationship between the father and the speaker.
2. Onomatopoeia: Onomatopoeia is the use of words that imitate the sound they describe. In "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke incorporates onomatopoeia to evoke a sense of movement and energy in the poem. For example, in the lines "The hand that held my wrist / Was battered on one knuckle," the word "battered" mimics the sound of a rough or forceful touch, emphasizing the physicality of the dance between the father and the speaker. This use of onomatopoeia enhances the vivid imagery in the poem and immerses the reader in the visceral experience of the waltz, as well as the raw and physical nature of the relationship between the father and the speaker.
another different two
1. Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within a line of poetry. In "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke uses assonance to create a sense of nostalgia and intimacy in the poem. For example, in the lines "We romped until the pans / Slid from the kitchen shelf," the repetition of the short "o" sound in "romped," "pans," and "from" gives a sense of playfulness and joy. This assonance helps to convey the happy memories of a father and son dancing together in the kitchen. It enhances the overall tone of the poem, evoking a sense of warmth and fondness in the speaker's recollection.
2. Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words in close proximity. In "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke uses consonance to create a sense of tension and conflict in the poem. For example, in the lines "At every step you missed / My right ear scraped a buckle," the repetition of the "s" sound in "missed," "step," and "scraped" creates a harsh and discordant tone. This consonance adds to the sense of unease and discomfort that the speaker feels during the waltz with their father. It underscores the physical roughness of the dance and hints at the complex emotions and mixed feelings that the speaker has towards their father.
2. Consonance: Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words in close proximity. In "My Papa's Waltz," Theodore Roethke uses consonance to create a sense of tension and conflict in the poem. For example, in the lines "At every step you missed / My right ear scraped a buckle," the repetition of the "s" sound in "missed," "step," and "scraped" creates a harsh and discordant tone. This consonance adds to the sense of unease and discomfort that the speaker feels during the waltz with their father. It underscores the physical roughness of the dance and hints at the complex emotions and mixed feelings that the speaker has towards their father.
1 answer