1. Identify the rhyme scheme of the poem

            ABAB CDCD EFEF GHGH

2. Identify 7 examples of diction and state each word's connotation.

a.       waltzing- fast paced dance

b.      romped-out of control, playful

c.       countenance-facial expression

d.      battered-beaten, battened up

e.       unfrown-informal, to not be angry

f.        clinging-desperate, holding on

g.       caked-old, covered

3. Identify 3 sound devices in the poem

a.       such waltzing was not easy- alliteration

b.      the hand that held my wrist- assonance

c.        still clinging to your shirt- assonance

4. Identify 4 images in the poem

a.       palm caked hard by dirt

b.      battered on one knuckle

c.       right ear scraped a buckle

d.      I hung on like death

5. After examining your evidence, state the speaker's attitude toward his father. Justify your answer in a 3-4 sentence paragraph.

Taishi: In the poem “My Papa’s Waltz” the young boy tells how his dad used to get drunk and dance around. In this poem the tone was one of nostalgia. He remembers when he used to have fun and that he misses it.

Kevin: In the poem “My Papa’s Waltz” the boy is fond of his father and does not mind when things get out of control.  The boys love for his father allows him to tolerate some of the things that are not pleasant for him.  His attitude toward his father and the waltz are happy and tolerant.