Student Question

What is the conclusion of "The Waltz"?

Quick answer:

The conclusion of "The Waltz" is ironic and cyclical. The narrator endures a dance she dislikes, hoping for it to end, yet when it does, she ironically expresses a desire to continue dancing, saying "I'd simply adore to go on waltzing." This suggests the dance, and by extension the story, is set to repeat, highlighting the theme of enduring social niceties despite personal discomfort.

Expert Answers

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That's a slippery question. The specific dance that the narrator is talking about (and suffering through) ends, but the story doesn't really conclude. Instead, it loops back to the beginning for a fun and painful irony. All she wants to do is get this dance over with, but when it comes to the end, she says again, " "I'd simply adore to go on waltzing," and the whole thing starts over again. In other words, we don’t get a real ending.

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