MY PAPA'S WALTZ

Assignment: My Papa's Waltz

My Papa's Waltz

1. Examples of Alliteration

There are numerous alliterations used in the poem. When a reader recites the poem aloud, the repetitive sounds make it flow smoothly. The first three stanzas have a single alliteration in each, “waltzing was”, “countenance could” and “hand that held”. The first alliteration makes the waltz sound natural and tranquil, but there are clear indications to the contrary. The waltz is difficult for the boy as the last line in the first stanza shows. What is fun for the adult is an ordeal for the child. The alliteration “countenance could” ...