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
1. Alliteration: Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. In "My Papa's Waltz," Roethke employs alliteration in phrases such as "waltzed me off to bed" and "Could make a small boy dizzy." The use of alliteration in these lines adds a musical quality to the poem, mirroring the dance-like rhythm of the waltz and enhancing the sense of movement and playfulness in the speaker's relationship with his father.
2. Assonance: Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds within words in close proximity. Roethke utilizes assonance in lines like "We romped until the pans / Slid from the kitchen shelf" and "But I hung on like death." The repetition of vowel sounds in these lines creates a sense of harmony and unity within the poem, echoing the physical closeness and emotional connection between the speaker and his father as they dance together. The gentle, repetitive sounds of the vowels also evoke a sense of nostalgia and intimacy, adding depth and complexity to the speaker's memories of his father's rough yet tender waltz.
Overall, the use of sound devices such as alliteration and assonance in "My Papa's Waltz" helps to create a rich auditory experience for the reader, bringing the poem's themes of family, memory, and childhood to life through the musicality and rhythm of the language. Additionally, by enhancing the poem's sensory and emotional impact, these sound devices contribute to the overall tone and atmosphere of the poem, capturing the bittersweet essence of the speaker's recollection of a complicated but cherished relationship with his father.