In Walter McDonald’s “Life with Father” and Theodore Roethke’s “My Papa’s Waltz,” the poets give insight into a dysfunctional childhood surrounded by alcoholism, which leaves a lasting impression on the children. The poets use dissimilar figurative language and expressive sound devices to evoke contrasting fearful tones; McDonald fears his father and Roethke fears losing his. The extensive and diverse use of figurative language in McDonald and Roethke’s poems captures the essence of growing up with
Theodore Roethke’s “My Papa’s Waltz” similarly describes a childhood dealing with an alcoholic father, however, the poets experience with the situation differs. In Walter McDonald’s “Life with Father” and Theodore Roethke’s “My Papa’s Waltz” the poets use figurative language and Tone to reveal their shared themes regarding the tension and fear of living with an alcoholic father [in their childhood but evoking a hint of affection.] In a like manner, the poets’ use of figurative language exposes the father