Question

The use of the words in "My Papa's Waltz" like "Papa, dizzy, romped, waltz" infer what about the dad?

a) He is a strict and distant father.
b) He is abusive and negligent.
c) He is playful and loving.
d) He is clumsy and careless.

Answer 1

The poem 'My Papa's Waltz' suggests a father who is 'playful and loving' due to the use of words conveying movement and affection, aligning with option (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

The poem My Papa's Waltz by Theodore Roethke uses words like "Papa", "dizzy", "romped", and "waltz", which suggest a sense of movement, playfulness, and affection. These words create an image of a father dancing with his child, potentially in a playful and loving manner.

Considering this, the father depicted in the poem can be inferred as playful and loving (option c), especially when compared to the harsher alternatives provided. However, it's worth noting that the poem is known for its ambiguity, inviting different interpretations, and some readers might feel that the physicality might also imply a darker undertone.