In addition to writing essays that are directed primarily to your professor (me), I want you to have the opportunity to write for each other, and to practice writing as if your audience were larger and more diverse. So we’re doing two shorter assignments in the form of blog posts, where the form and tone of your writing might be different than it is with an assignment that’s basically “a paper for an English class.”
ENGL 345
Nineteenth-Century American Poetry
Analysis of “Because I Could Not Stop For Death” by Emily Dickinson
by Mary-Walter Creech
Emily Dickinsons “Because I Could Not Stop For Death”, written in 1862, explores themes of mortality and exploring the concept of human existence. The poem itself is timeless as it touches on topics that will forever be a mystery to the human brain, which is why it is such an easy poem to fall in love with. Dickinson contemplates the inevitability of death while appreciating the fleeting nature of existence taking the reader on their own journey towards the afterlife. She allows readers to contemplate the mysteries of the afterlife as well as the passage of time, her interaction with death initially throws the reader off with its tranquil nature which ultimately leads to the reader experiencing a new level of introspection. With its bittersweet beauty and philosophical depth, “Because I Could Not Stop For Death” has continued to enthrall audiences for over a century.
Dickinsons poem evokes a complex range of emotions in readers, and I experienced these emotions the first time I read the poem. Initially the mention of death creates a gloomy and almost uneasy feeling, however as the poem unfolds Dickinson begins to portray death as a gentle and patient companion when she says “because I could not stop for death—he kindly stopped for me” thus shifting the initial feeling of apprehension to a calm and almost ethereal experience. Dickinson starts off by challenging conventional perceptions of a concept typically accepted as a negative character by replacing those perceptions with a gentle and accommodating character. Dickinson then takes readers along a leisurely transition through the stages of life, illustrated with vibrant depictions of fleeting memories which made me question the inevitability of my own mortality. Dickenson says, “we slowly drove—he knew no haste,” she captures the unhurried and tranquil nature of the journey with death, the suspension of time provided them with the ability to enjoy the ride and reflect which is far different from how I originally pictured a ride to the afterlife.
The relationship I feel with this poem is one of both love and hate because reflecting on one’s life is never an easy task especially when the question of your own mortality and the nature of your own existence becomes a question. The bittersweet beauty and philosophical depth of the poem feels comforting on a level that made me relive the memories I think I would see when passing all of the stages of my life. Although I initially felt sad thinking of those memories and realizing that life truly is fleeting. But as the poem continued, I realized time doesn’t stop for anything whether we want it to or not so it’s crucial to remember to appreciate every moment, and that even the small moments that seem so insignificant in the grand scheme of things can feel so wonderful if they are cherished. Ultimately, the poem evokes uncertainty and discomfort, which is why it has become such an important part of history. Because the feelings the themes evoke seem so taboo while they shouldn’t because they are inevitable and that is the beauty of it all. I think I love this poem because those feelings of discomfort and uncertainty are fascinating to me, they are catalysts for growth and can empower individuals to reevaluate life’s priorities and confront their fears while also embracing self-growth and vulnerability.
Dickinson is able to weave different literary elements into her poem seamlessly to create something that resonates with her readers on both an emotional and spiritual level. She maintains a sense of wonder and mystery throughout the poem that allows the reader to ask questions and make assumptions that could pertain to their own lives. I enjoy poems that allow room for imagination on the reader’s part because it provides somewhat of an outlet for the reader to process their thoughts and feelings in a way that seems less daunting. The poem’s ability to spark introspection among its readers while also molding a greater appreciation for the beauty of nature and life despite its inevitable end.