Because I Could Not Stop For Death

3 Pages 736 Words

Because I Could Not Stop For Death
The poem “Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson, expresses the speaker’s reflection on death. The poem focuses on the concept of life after death. This poem’s setting mirrors the circumstances by which death approaches, and death’s tone appears kind and compassionate. It is through the promise of immortality that fear is removed, and death not only becomes acceptable but welcomed as well. As human beings, we feel that death never comes at a convenient or opportune time. However, when death makes an appearance, it approaches bearing gifts of kindness, “Civility,” “And Immortality.” One can almost envision civility as being tall, dark, and handsomely dressed in a black tuxedo, arriving promptly, as any gentlemen would, to pick up his date for an evening out. Immortality also serves as a passenger in death’s “Carriage.” This signifies the miracle of life is our most precious possession and promises the gift of unending life, as shown by “The Carriage held but just Ourselves- / And Immortality” (lines 3-4). Immortality’s presence helps to remove all fears as we exit the physical world and provides the recipient with the necessary assistance to assure that the transition from reality to spirituality is a pleasant experience. If the promise of immortality did not exist, one would never go along willingly, nor would one welcome death without fear. Death and the speaker ride along with absolutely no concept of the passage of time. They are not hurried, or rushed, as they have forever to reach their destination. This is stated in line 5: “We slowly drove- / He knew no haste.” Having completed all her earthly chores, the speaker states that they are no longer of any concern to her. For now there is no sewing, cooking, cleaning, farming, or caring for loved ones. The speaker has been allowed the luxury of rest and relaxation, as lines 6-7 reveals: “And I had ...