“The Waking” by Theodore Roethke: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

“The Waking” by Theodore Roethke was first published in 1953, part of his Pulitzer Prize-winning collection “The Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke.” The poem, a villanelle with a distinct structure and repeated lines, ponders the mysteries of life and death through the act of waking and sleeping. Its contemplative tone and rich imagery create a sense of wonder about our place in the natural world, even in the face of the unknown.

Text: “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

Annotations: “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

Stanza	Annotation
1	The poem begins with a paradoxical statement, “I wake to sleep,” suggesting a state of being both awake and asleep. The speaker is aware of their fate, but cannot fear it. The last line, “I learn by going where I have to go,” indicates a sense of resignation and acceptance.
2	This stanza explores the idea that thinking and feeling are intertwined. The speaker asks, “What is there to know?” implying a sense of uncertainty. The line “I hear my being dance from ear to ear” suggests a sense of joy and connection to one’s own existence.
3	The speaker addresses someone close to them, asking “which are you?” The exclamation “God bless the Ground!” suggests a sense of reverence and appreciation for the natural world. The speaker resolves to “walk softly” and continue learning through experience.
4	This stanza explores the idea that nature has its own ways and mysteries. The line “Light takes the Tree” suggests the cyclical nature of life and death. The image of the “lowly worm” climbing a “winding stair” implies a sense of slow and steady progress.
5	The speaker addresses the reader directly, urging them to take in the “lively air” and learn through experience. The phrase “Great Nature has another thing to do” suggests a sense of trust in the natural world.
6	The final stanza repeats the opening lines, emphasizing the idea of accepting one’s fate and learning through experience. The line “What falls away is always. And is near” suggests a sense of impermanence and the importance of living in the present moment.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

1. Alliteration: ” I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.” The repetition of the “f” sound emphasizes the gradual awakening described in the poem.
2. Assonance: “I hear my being dance from ear to ear.” The repetition of the long “e” sound creates a musical quality, echoing the idea of the speaker’s being dancing.
3. Enjambment: “God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,” The continuation of the sentence without a pause at the end of the line creates a sense of flow, emphasizing the reverence for the ground being blessed.
4. Imagery: “The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair.” This creates a vivid mental picture of a worm’s movement, using the metaphor of climbing a winding stair.
5. Metaphor: “Light takes the Tree.” Here, light is compared to a force that affects the tree, suggesting growth or change.
6. Personification: “I hear my being dance from ear to ear.” Giving human qualities to the speaker’s own being enhances the sense of connection and liveliness.
7. Repetition: “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.” This repetition emphasizes the cyclical nature of the speaker’s waking and sleeping, as well as the deliberate pace at which they approach each waking moment.
8. Rhyme: The poem follows a villanelle structure with an ABA rhyme scheme. For example, “sleep” and “slow” in the first stanza, “go” in the second stanza, “there” and “go” in the third stanza, and so on.
9. Simile: “The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair.” The comparison of the worm’s movement to climbing a winding stair creates a vivid image and suggests a slow, steady progression.
10. Symbolism: “God bless the Ground!” The ground symbolizes stability, grounding, and perhaps the earth itself, invoking a sense of reverence and connection to nature.
11. Anaphora: “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.” The repetition of “I wake to sleep” at the beginning of each stanza emphasizes the speaker’s introspective contemplation of their existence.
12. Metonymy: “Light takes the Tree.” Here, “light” represents the sun or sunlight, which sustains the tree through photosynthesis.
13. Hyperbole: “This shaking keeps me steady.” The paradoxical statement emphasizes the speaker’s acceptance of uncertainty and change as a source of stability.
14. Oxymoron: “I wake to sleep.” This juxtaposition of contradictory terms highlights the complex nature of consciousness and existence.
15. Irony: “Great Nature has another thing to do / To you and me.” The irony lies in the uncertainty and unpredictability of nature’s actions, despite the speaker’s attempt to learn from it.
16. Antithesis: “What falls away is always. And is near.” This juxtaposition of opposites—what falls away and what is near—underscores the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of life and death.
17. Paradox: “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.” This statement contains a paradoxical idea of waking to sleep, suggesting a deeper philosophical contemplation of the nature of consciousness and existence.
18. Consonance: “The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair.” The repetition of the “m” and “n” sounds creates a sense of rhythm and movement, mirroring the slow ascent of the worm.
19. Synecdoche: “And, lovely, learn by going where to go.” Here, “going where to go” represents the journey of life, implying learning through experience and discovery.
20. Cliché: “God bless the Ground!” While not necessarily a negative thing, the phrase “God bless” is a commonly used expression of well-wishing, often heard in blessings or prayers.

Themes: “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

1. Cyclical Nature of Existence: In “The Waking,” Theodore Roethke contemplates the cyclical pattern of life and death, suggesting that waking and sleeping serve as metaphors for this eternal cycle. The repeated line, “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow,” emphasizes the perpetual rhythm of renewal and transformation. This cyclical theme underscores the transient nature of existence and invites readers to reflect on the inevitability of change and renewal within the larger context of the universe.
2. Interconnectedness with Nature: Roethke portrays a deep connection between humanity and the natural world, presenting nature as a profound source of wisdom and guidance. The speaker learns by “going where [they] have to go,” implying that understanding and growth arise from immersion in the rhythms of nature. This theme emphasizes the interconnectedness of all life forms and underscores the importance of revering and respecting the natural world as an integral part of our existence.
3. Journey of Self-Discovery: The poem explores the theme of the journey towards self-awareness and enlightenment, where each waking moment becomes an opportunity for introspection and understanding. Through contemplation of their own existence and the mysteries of the universe, the speaker embarks on a quest for deeper meaning and insight. This theme encourages readers to embrace the journey of self-discovery with courage and curiosity, seeking wisdom in the unfolding of each new experience.
4. Acceptance of Change and Uncertainty: Roethke’s poem encourages acceptance of the inevitability of change and uncertainty, symbolized by the “shaking” that keeps the speaker steady amidst life’s upheavals. This theme highlights the importance of resilience and adaptability in navigating the challenges of existence, suggesting that true strength lies in embracing the ebb and flow of life with grace and equanimity. Through this theme, the poem invites readers to confront the mysteries of existence and find solace in the acceptance of life’s inherent unpredictability.

Literary Theories and “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

Literary Theory	Example from the Poem	Analysis
Existentialism	“I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow. / I learn by going where I have to go.” (Stanza 1)	The speaker’s acceptance of their fate and emphasis on personal experience and responsibility are hallmarks of existentialist thought.
Imagism	“I hear my being dance from ear to ear.” (Stanza 2)	The vivid, sensory language used to describe the speaker’s inner experience is characteristic of Imagist poetry, which emphasizes clear and concise language to create powerful images.
Symbolism	“Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?” (Stanza 4)	The use of natural imagery (light, tree) to convey complex ideas and emotions is typical of Symbolist poetry. The speaker’s question about the nature of this process suggests a deeper exploration of the human condition.

Critical Questions about “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

• Question 1: What is the speaker’s attitude towards life and fate?
• The speaker of “The Waking” has a resigned and accepting attitude towards life and fate. They seem to embrace the idea that their path in life is predetermined, and they must follow it. This is evident in the lines “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow. / I learn by going where I have to go” (Stanza 1). The speaker is not resisting or fighting against their fate, but rather accepting it and moving forward. This acceptance is a key aspect of the speaker’s attitude, and it is repeated throughout the poem.
• Question 2: How does the speaker relate to nature?
• The speaker of “The Waking” has a deep connection with nature, which is reflected in the use of natural imagery throughout the poem. They seem to find comfort and guidance in the natural world, and often use it to explore complex emotions and ideas. For example, in Stanza 4, the speaker writes “Light takes the Tree; but who can tell us how?” This line suggests a sense of wonder and awe at the natural world, and a recognition of its power and mystery. The speaker’s connection to nature is a key aspect of their perspective, and it is used to explore themes of existence, fate, and the human condition.
• Question 3: What role does repetition play in the poem?
• Repetition is a key element in “The Waking”, with the speaker repeating the lines “I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow. / I learn by going where I have to go” throughout the poem. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, and emphasizes the speaker’s acceptance of their fate. It also serves to connect the different ideas and images in the poem, creating a sense of unity and cohesion. The repetition of these lines becomes a kind of refrain, reminding the reader of the speaker’s central message and emphasizing the importance of acceptance and personal responsibility.
• Question 4: What is the tone of the poem?
• The tone of “The Waking” is contemplative and reflective, with the speaker exploring complex emotions and ideas in a thoughtful and introspective way. The use of natural imagery and repetition creates a sense of calm and serenity, and the speaker’s acceptance of their fate adds a sense of resignation and quiet determination. The tone is also somewhat melancholic, as the speaker grapples with the mysteries of existence and the human condition. Overall, the tone is one of quiet reflection and contemplation, inviting the reader to engage with the speaker’s thoughts and ideas.

Literary Works Similar to “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

1. “My Papa’s Waltz” by Theodore Roethke: This poem is a beautiful and lyrical poem that explores the relationship between a child and their father.
2. “The Dance” by William Carlos Williams: This poem is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the relationship between a father and son.
3. “The River-Merchant’s Wife: A Letter” by Ezra Pound: This poem is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the relationship between a husband and wife.
4. “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock” by T.S. Eliot: This poem is a beautiful and poignant poem that explores the relationship between a man and his inner self.
5. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: This poem is a powerful and moving poem that explores the relationship between a father and son, and the will to live.

Suggested Readings: “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

• Pinkus, Susan. “Roethke’s the Waking.” The Explicator 50.4 (1992): 241-244.
• Octafia, Yani, and Shandi Noris. “Imagery and Theme on the Two Poems (Hanging Fire and the Waking).” Foremost Journal 4.1 (2023): 63-75.
• Ghosal, Jayati. “Theodore Roethke: Search for Self-Identity.” Studies in Literature in English 1 (2004): 138.
• Rohrkemper, John. “When the Mind Remembers All”: Dream and Memory in Theodore Roethke’s” North American Sequence.” The Journal of the Midwest Modern Language Association 21.1 (1988): 28-37.
• https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/43333/the-waking-56d2220f25315

Representative Quotations “The Waking” by Theodore Roethke

Quotation	Context	Theorization
“I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.”	The speaker reflects on the cyclical nature of existence, where waking and sleeping symbolize the perpetual rhythm of life and death.	This line encapsulates the poem’s central theme of the cyclical nature of existence, emphasizing the speaker’s acceptance of the transient nature of life and the importance of embracing each moment with mindfulness and deliberation.
“I hear my being dance from ear to ear.”	The speaker describes a profound sense of vitality and connection with their own existence, suggesting a joyous engagement with life’s experiences.	This quotation highlights the theme of interconnectedness and the speaker’s deep appreciation for the vibrancy and vitality of existence. It implies that the speaker’s very being is animated by the rhythms of life, echoing the natural world’s dance.
“God bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there.”	The speaker expresses reverence and gratitude for the natural world, particularly the earth beneath their feet.	This line underscores the theme of interconnectedness with nature and reflects the speaker’s humility and respect for the environment. It suggests a harmonious relationship between humanity and the natural world, where walking softly signifies a gentle and respectful interaction with the earth.
“The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair.”	Through this metaphor, the speaker illustrates the gradual progression of life, likening it to the slow ascent of a humble worm.	This quotation symbolizes the theme of the journey of self-discovery and growth. The image of the worm climbing a winding stair suggests that personal development requires patience, perseverance, and a steady, upward trajectory. It reflects the idea that even the smallest creatures are engaged in a journey of transformation and evolution.
“This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.”	The speaker acknowledges the role of uncertainty and change in maintaining a sense of balance and stability in life.	This line embodies the theme of acceptance of change and uncertainty. The speaker finds steadiness amidst life’s shaking, suggesting that embracing the flux of existence is essential for inner equilibrium. It implies that true resilience comes from accepting and adapting to life’s inevitable fluctuations.
“What falls away is always. And is near.”	The speaker reflects on the paradoxical nature of existence, where what is lost or discarded remains ever-present in memory and consciousness.	This quotation encapsulates the theme of the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of life and death. It suggests that even as things change and evolve, they retain a lingering presence in the fabric of existence, echoing the eternal recurrence of life’s patterns. It invites contemplation on the enduring significance of what is lost and the profound interconnectedness of all things.