"My Papa's Waltz" by Theodore Roethke presents the bewildering relationship of a boy to his father. The poet does not provide much in terms of context such as setting and time which leaves the poem open to interpretation in a quite contrasting way. On a superficial level, Roethke presents the relationship and action unfolding between the father and son as something playful, almost whimsical. The use of the term "waltzing" metaphorically denotes that the father and son are toying with each other with greatest pleasure. 'Waltz' is a kind of romantic ballroom dance performed by couples. Hence, to compare such evocative dance to the actions of father and son may point out the deep emotions they hold towards each other. The poet says that their little dance continued until the pans in the kitchen shelf slid and fell which further encapsulates the passion of the moment. This in turn makes the mother frown signalling that she does not approve of this behavior,...
Essays on Poems, Prose and Stories