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Exploring Diction and Connotation in Roethke's "My Papa's Waltz"

In this lesson, we analyze the poem "My Papa's Waltz" by Theodore Roethke to understand how diction shapes meaning and tone. Students will first rewrite a given sentence using synonyms that carry different connotations. They will then explain how each chosen word alters the original sentiment and discuss the resulting tone of their revised sentence. This exercise reinforces the connection between word choice and emotional impact, crucial for appreciating poetry and literary nuance.

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Exploring Diction and Connotation in Roethke's "My Papa's Waltz"

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  1. SEPTEMBER 11, 2012ENGLISH II Before warm-ups, drop off “The Rattler” on the stool. Warm-up: 1) Rewrite the sentence below by changing two of the underlined pieces of diction. Use words that are synonyms (similar in denotation), but have different connotations. The two people watched a prettyredsunset, quietlysmiling. 2) Next, explain how each word that you chose has a different connotation than the ones in the sentence. 3) Finally, how is the tone about how your sentence is different? (Note: #2 and #3 should be written in complete sentences)

  2. REMINDERS • After school, staple all ungraded warm-ups together and turn them in to me on your way out. • Review: What do the following words mean? • Diction • Denotation • Connotation

  3. STANDARDS Reading 1.1: Identify and use the literal and figurative meanings of words (and understand word derivations).

  4. MY PAPA’S WALTZ • Poets are usually great masters at diction; since their compositions are so much shorter than a novel or short story, every single word is necessary for achieving the desired emotional effect. • We will read Roethke’s poem “My Papa’s Waltz” to find out how diction can shape the meaning of a work. • Focus: Is this a joyous or unpleasant event in this child’s life? How do you know?

  5. MY PAPA’S WALTZ The whiskey on your breath Could make a small boy dizzy; But I hung on like death: Such waltzing was not easy. We romped until the pans Slid from the kitchen shelf; My mother’s countenance Could not unfrown itself. The hand that held my wrist Was battered on one knuckle; At every step you missed My right ear scraped a buckle. You beat time on my head With a palm caked hard by dirt, Then waltzed me off to bed Still clinging to your shirt.

  6. “MY PAPA’S WALTZ” • On the backside of the poem, let’s make a list of important diction that is found in “My Papa’s Waltz.” I’ve started off your list, give me a couple more, then find the rest on your own. • After listing the diction, we will discuss the connotations of some of these words/phrases. *Questions 2-4 are due tomorrow.

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