The poem “Because I could not stop for Death” strives to establish a dramatic relationship through the personified character of Death and active time This concept is established directly in the title. The idea that the figure could not stop suggests a great level of activity and continuous movement that is not restricted by the surroundings even the figure of Death. The poem begins by stating, “Because I could not stop for Death - // He kindly stopped for me -,” (Dickinson 1-2). Beginning the poem with a because statement establishes the idea that the poet is explaining an occurrence. In this circumstance, this occurrence is meeting with Death. The poet forms Death into a proper noun in order to even further personify it. In addition, by providing
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These lines bring to light the character of Immortality, which the typical reader often views as somewhat contradictory to the idea of death. However, by including this concept of Immortality in the carriage, the poet elaborates on her means for peace despite encountering Death. The poet believes in an eternity after death that awaits her. Upon starting the next stanza, the poet states, “We slowly drove - He knew no haste” (Dickinson 5). During this ride, the poet changes her pace. Through the use of breaks, such as that between drove and He, the poet makes the reader slow down. This allows the reader to directly feel the pace of the slow drive. Following the slowed pace, the poet states, “And I had put away // My labor and my leisure too, // For His Civility -” (Dickinson 5-8). The civil nature of Death begins to alter the way that the busy poet acts. The things that once led her to be rushed, including work and fun, are let go. This symbolic moment in the poem provides a turning point in the poet’s actions. Up to this point, the poet has had a difficult time slowing down or even stopping for anything. However, upon encountering the kind nature of Death, the speaker is slowed and the prior business is placed down. This kind-natured Death figure further establishes the hope and peace that the speaker discovers through her own encounter with
These lines bring to light the character of Immortality, which the typical reader often views as somewhat contradictory to the idea of death. However, by including this concept of Immortality in the carriage, the poet elaborates on her means for peace despite encountering Death. The poet believes in an eternity after death that awaits her. Upon starting the next stanza, the poet states, “We slowly drove - He knew no haste” (Dickinson 5). During this ride, the poet changes her pace. Through the use of breaks, such as that between drove and He, the poet makes the reader slow down. This allows the reader to directly feel the pace of the slow drive. Following the slowed pace, the poet states, “And I had put away // My labor and my leisure too, // For His Civility -” (Dickinson 5-8). The civil nature of Death begins to alter the way that the busy poet acts. The things that once led her to be rushed, including work and fun, are let go. This symbolic moment in the poem provides a turning point in the poet’s actions. Up to this point, the poet has had a difficult time slowing down or even stopping for anything. However, upon encountering the kind nature of Death, the speaker is slowed and the prior business is placed down. This kind-natured Death figure further establishes the hope and peace that the speaker discovers through her own encounter with