Analysis Of Because I Could Not Stop For Death By Emily Dickinson

Death is a mystifying concept that has been explored for many centuries. As inexplicable as it may be, we are certain that it is a natural occurrence which no living thing can escape. Our only choice is to gracefully and comfortably accept it. Society's captivation with death has lead to a countless number of plays, poems and stories where mortality is a prominent theme. However, one of the most famous poets who often explored this theme was Emily Dickinson. Dickinson's most well-known poem with this theme is “Because I could not stop for Death.” Through Emily Dickinson's clever style of writing, effective use of literary elements, and vivid imagery she successfully creates a poem that clearly expresses her views regarding death. “Because I could not stop for Death” is composed of six stanzas in which the narrator strikingly recalls her final passage to her grave. The speaker begins with: “Because I could not stop for Death/ He kindly stopped for me” (lines 1-2). From the opening lines it is very evident that Dickinson is
By knowing this piece of information it is easy to understand why many individuals view the stanza in this way. As they continue their ride to eternity she begins to remember parts of her life. The narrator states “We passed the School, where Children Strove/ At Recess- in the ring/ We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain/ We passed the Setting Sun” (lines 9-12). While using alliteration and imagery she is passing through the periods of her own life. The first and most obvious phase is represented by recess which is considered to be a time most associated with childhood. Phase two of her life is symbolized with the Gazing Grain. It seems as though this represents the midday or working years of life. Or could also be viewed as the ripening stages of life where the grain is at its tallest and strongest such as an adult would