Because I Could Not Stop For Death Essay

Line 1: Because I could not stop for Death – This line presupposes an argument and a counterargument. Dickinson raises a question straightaway and her being not able to stop Death raises certain grim apprehensions in the mind. Why the poet mentions death, why the poet is gripped with such an imminent belief that she is going to the land from where no one has ever returns! Does she own premonitions about her impending death? What ails her physically or mentally? Or the abrupt mention of the word Death is a literally ploy to grab the attention of the reader? Line 2: He kindly stopped for me – In addition, the line concludes with a dash, hinting something negative is in store for the reader to know. But the expectations of the readers are dashed to the ground, with positive notes. The poet employs the word ‘kindly’ for Death. The tone of the poem suddenly changes and it creates some favorable expectations. Nothing tragic is going to happen to the poet. Lines 3-4: The Carriage held but just Ourselves –And
Death does not arrive by notice. The race of life is abruptly terminated and often one does not get the opportunity to cross the finishing line. Death marks its time as per its own calculations. He does not give an opportunity for one to get ready. The same happens in the case of poet here. “Gossamer” refers to the dress material. The gown that the poet is wearing is of thin and delicate material. “Tippet” is an old fashioned shawl made of “tulle” which is thin and silky. Meaning, she is not properly dressed for the journey and Death asks her to accompany him in so to say, “as-is-where-is” condition. She is thoroughly under-prepared for the journey in the company of Death. Cold is related with death in literature. The phrase “quivering and Chill” refers to her physical and perhaps mental condition in the company of Death; her will power is fast ebbing