Theodore Roethke
American · 20th century
American poet (1908-1963) known for introspective, rhythmically intense verse; won the Pulitzer Prize for The Waking.
Connection to Taylor Swift
A confessional poet whose deliberate ambiguity mirrors the unresolved doubleness Uncle Jerry admires in Taylor.
Notable Works
- My Papa's Waltz; The Waking
Appears in the Archive
Context within the Archive
The Waking
“I shake it off, I shake it off”
Uncle Jerry quotes Theodore Roethke's poem The Waking, specifically the line 'the shaking keeps me steady, I should know', and argues that this paradox is exactly what Shake It Off is about. The idea that shaking, which should destabilise, actually provides steadiness captures the song's central argument: that the act of shaking off criticism is itself what keeps the speaker grounded and resilient. Angela agrees, saying 'That's what this song is about.' Uncle Jerry describes the connection as ironic, counterintuitive, and paradoxical.