Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Emily Dickinson

Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Emily Dickinson

Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I Could Not Stop For Death," is an

interesting composition of the English language which commands respect and

critical examination. This literary work deals with mortality and retrospect of one's

life. It begins with the speaker's recollection of the day she died, now viewed from

the level of eternity. She is looking back on how things used to be, almost with a

sense of completion, as if her life has come to a satisfactory close. In the beginning,

she speaks of how Death shows up at her door unexpectedly and kindly escorts her

out to a carriage, marking her entrance into the afterlife. She then goes on to

discuss her ride in the stagecoach, along with her discoveries and recollections

along the way to her destination: Eternity. In this poem, Dickinson masters the use

of symbolism, poetic rhythm, and sense devices.

First of all, symbolism is strikingly apparent throughout the entire poem.

However, the most noted and fascinating example of symbolism is apparent from

the very first line. The reader becomes clearly aware that Death, referred to as "he"

is more of a suitor than anything else. He cordially arrives in a carriage, beckoning

her to join him in is pursuit of eternal life. She does not hesitate to join him, and

therefore begins to relish in the memories of her living days, which are now coming

to a quaint close. Some critics believe this poem to have a sexual undertone, citing

examples. This observation is derived mainly from lines thirteen through fifteen,

where a reference to the setting sun seems to hint at a bit of romance between Death

and the deceased. Then, the dew is said to draw a "quive...

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plot to a home or resting place. Symbolic of her recognition and approval of death,

the metaphor serves its purpose quite well. In essence, the writer does everything

possible to not only interest the reader, but to keep creative thoughts juicing through

the circuits.

In conclusion, Dickinson portrays the dance with Death as something that can

be viewed in a positive light instead of just a dreary nightmare. Immortality holds

more than just an ending. When viewed as a beginning of something new and

exciting, it gives birth to great thoughts to ponder. Dickinson manages to guide the

reader through its stages, clearly emphasizing every point along the way. Her.

use of symbolism, poetic rhythm, and sense devices keeps the reader abreast of the

situation while also making a bold statement about eternity being an issue to love,

not loathe.