The speaker uses various words to illustrate that the speaker is disappointed and negatively affected by the father’s alcoholism. As the speaker reflects on his father, he states, “My mother’s countenance could not unfrown itself.” (7) Rothke incorporates the words “countenance” and “unfrown” to emphasize and support the frightened/ disappointed tone and the speaker’s remorse for the negative effect his father’s addiction had on his childhood homelife. Rothke uses the negative connotation of “countenance” to illustrate the mother’s disapproving facial expressions that “could not be unfrowned” because of the father’s harsh actions. As Rothke continues to reveal the speaker’s experiences with his father, the tone shifts from frightened to heartfelt. Rothke validates this shift by saying, “Then waltzed me off to bed still clinging to your shirt.” (16) Rothke is implying that the father still had love for his son despite the way his alcoholism made him behave. “Clinging to your shirt” indicates a sense of comfort or
The speaker uses various words to illustrate that the speaker is disappointed and negatively affected by the father’s alcoholism. As the speaker reflects on his father, he states, “My mother’s countenance could not unfrown itself.” (7) Rothke incorporates the words “countenance” and “unfrown” to emphasize and support the frightened/ disappointed tone and the speaker’s remorse for the negative effect his father’s addiction had on his childhood homelife. Rothke uses the negative connotation of “countenance” to illustrate the mother’s disapproving facial expressions that “could not be unfrowned” because of the father’s harsh actions. As Rothke continues to reveal the speaker’s experiences with his father, the tone shifts from frightened to heartfelt. Rothke validates this shift by saying, “Then waltzed me off to bed still clinging to your shirt.” (16) Rothke is implying that the father still had love for his son despite the way his alcoholism made him behave. “Clinging to your shirt” indicates a sense of comfort or