Assumptions

Often times in life, things are not as they seem to be. People can make assumptions that do not always lead them into the right places. Examples of this can be seen in the poems of “The Video” by Fleur Adcock, and “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke. These poems show how a person may make an assumption or look too deeply into a subject, and as a result misconceives what is actually occurring.

Fleur Adcock’s “The Video” is about the miracle of giving birth to a child. Upon first examination, this every day event is what the poem seems to be about. Giving birth to a child is usually a very happy and joyous event for most families. Therefore, the reader of this poem will already have preconceived thoughts about what may happen. In the final lines of the stanza, the sister of the baby child watches the video of the birth in reverse. After thinking about these lines, it is possible to read too deeply into things and make it seem that the sister wants the newborn child to go away. However, the final lines are meant to be humorous and to capture the awe of the event.

Theodore Roethke’s “My Papa’s Waltz” is another poem where preconceived thoughts come into play. Due to the content of alcohol and the word “beat”, one can easily assume that this poem is about child abuse. Fortunately, the final lines of the poem suggest an alternate interpretation by saying that the child was “clinging” to his father’s shirt as he is brought to bed. Thus suggest that the child did not want the moment of waltzing with his father to end. This poem shows how assumptions can lead to a complete misunderstanding.

It is a common knowledge that is a bad habit to make assumptions. As we can see with these poems, false assumptions can take meaning away and make a joyous event into ones that are completely different. Some people need to learn how to be more open to others and to be more aware of what is happening in the world around them.