“My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke
Instructions: Read “My Papa’s Waltz” in your poetry packet. Complete the following TP-DASTT analysis over the poem, and answer the questions that follow.
TITLE
PARAPHRASE Stanza 1
Stanza 2
Stanza 3
Stanza 4
DEVICES
ATTITUDE
SHIFTS
TITLE
THEME What is the poem about (literally)?
What is the poem about (figuratively)?
What does the poem say about the figurative/abstract subject?
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. The speaker in the poem conveys the impression that
a. his parents agree on how to raise a child.
b. dancing with his father feels out of control.
c. his father is too careful with him.
d. having fun with his father is rare.
2. The speaker’s mother expresses her displeasure by
a. making noise in the kitchen.
b. holding tightly to the speaker.
c. sending the speaker off to bed.
d. frowning at the dancing.
3. Reread lines 9-10. What does the imagery suggest?
a. The father does physical work.
b. The father dances often.
c. The speaker fears his father.
d. The speaker is observant.
4. Reread lines 13-14 in the poem. What inference can you make about the speaker’s father?
a. Rhythm is important to him.
b. Dancing is his favorite hobby.
c. He probably works with his hands.
d. He expects the speaker to dance well.
5. This poem indicates that
a. wives are jealous of their husbands.
b. young men want to be just like their dads.
c. children love to get attention from their parents.
d. families have clear gender roles.