Marxist Criticism in "My Papa's Waltz" Questions for response line 5 - "romped" What function would this word serve in a Marxist reading of the poem? line 14 - "a palm caked hard by dirt" How would this image determine a Marxist characterization of the father? How might a New Critic’s response compare, given the line's irregularity (in terms of its meter)? What is the effect of this ’disorder’ on the tone of the poem, according to a New Critic? A Marxist critic? Bedford/St. Martin's | Order a Book | Instructor Registration | Contact Us | Contact Your Sales Representative