Question

Read the poem below and answer the question that follows.

"Because I could not stop for Death"
by Emily Dickinson

Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.

We slowly drove – He knew no haste
And I had put away
My labor and my leisure too,
For His Civility –

We passed the School, where Children strove
At Recess – in the Ring –
We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain –
We passed the Setting Sun –

Or rather – He passed us –
The Dews drew quivering and chill –
For only Gossamer, my Gown –
My Tippet – only Tulle –

We paused before a House that seemed
A Swelling of the Ground –
The Roof was scarcely visible –
The Cornice – in the Ground –

Since then – 'tis Centuries – and yet
Feels shorter than the Day
I first surmised the Horses' Heads
Were toward Eternity –

Source: Dickinson, Emily. "Because I could not stop for Death." Poets.org. Academy of American Poets, n.d. Web. 4 Apr. 2011.

Answer 1

Emily Dickinson's poem 'Because I could not stop for Death' reflects on death in a calm, almost friendly manner, showcasing her precision in blending themes of mortality and desire. Her poems avoid melancholy through masterful use of language and imagery, which contrasts how other poets, like Keats and Kenyon, address death in their works.

Step-by-step explanation:

Emily Dickinson's Themes in Poetry

Emily Dickinson's poem "Because I could not stop for Death" delves into the subject of death with a serene acceptance unlike many other poets who grapple with the concept of mortality. Dickinson personifies death as a courteous companion, taking the speaker on a journey towards eternity. The use of imagery, such as 'the School', 'the Fields of Gazing Grain', and 'the Setting Sun', aligns with Dickinson’s frequent exploration of nature and the divine. Her handling of mortality and desire, especially when considered alongside other poems like "I taste a LIQUOR NEVER BREWED" and "My Life had stood – a Loaded Gun", showcases her skillful blending of life’s contrasts in her style of poetry.

Dissecting the themes of death and isolation, Dickinson’s poetry maintains a tone that is reflective but not overly somber. This is achieved through the poet’s masterful use of language and rich imagery that evoke a complex relationship between the natural world and the human psyche. Death's omnipresence in her poems serves not to invoke fear but as a reminder of life's transience and the presence of the divine.

The differences in tone about death observed across various poets’ works, including Jane Kenyon and John Keats, arise from their distinctive styles and choice of structure. Keats's intricate rhyme schemes and refrain in his poetry contribute to the overall mood and control the reader's perception of death, while Kenyon and Dickinson use concise language and tangible imagery to provoke deep emotional responses.

Answer 2

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