Question

Identify three types of figurative language in Dickinson’s poem. Then analyze the impact of these techniques on the text. How does Dickinson use figurative language to build or emphasize the poem's theme?

Answer 1

The “carriage” in which the speaker rides with Death is a metaphor for the instant of physical death, although it is presented as something that moves in time (a day or centuries). The speaker elaborates upon the occupants of this carriage, saying that it just held Death, herself, and Immortality. The word immortality suggests that death does not mean the end of life but a continuation of some unspecified state of being.

This description of the speaker’s two companions also uses personification, another form of figurative language. Both Death and Immortality are presented as actual beings who ride in the chariot with the speaker. Similarly, the speaker presents Death as a gentleman who is both kind and civil.

The first stanza of the poem contains a third form of figurative language, a paradox:

Because I could not stop for Death –

He kindly stopped for me –

The Carriage held but just Ourselves –

And Immortality

In these lines, Dickinson juxtaposes death and immortality, two notions that oppose each other. This juxtaposition makes the reader rethink the meaning of death by associating it with immortality.

Dickinson uses figurative language to promote a calm acceptance of death. Although death in itself is tragic, Dickinson treats it with the emotional maturity of an old friend. Her aim is perhaps to drive home the idea that life goes on after death or to show that death isn’t something we should fear because we secure the immortality of infinite time in death.

Explanation: sample answer

Answer 2

The “carriage” wherein the speaker rides with Death is a metaphor for the immediate bodily loss of life, even though it is offered as something that movements in time (an afternoon or centuries). The speaker elaborates upon the occupants of this carriage, announcing that it simply held Death, herself, and Immortality. The phrase immortality indicates that loss of life does now no longer suggest the quit of existence however a continuation of a few unspecified kingdoms of being.

This description of the speaker’s partners additionally makes use of personification, every other shape of figurative language. Both Death and Immortality are offered as real beings who experience withinside the chariot with the speaker. Similarly, the speaker affords Death as a gentleman who's each type and civil.

The first stanza of the poem incorporates the 3rd shape of figurative language, a paradox:

Because I couldn't prevent for Death –

He kindly stopped for me –

The Carriage held however simply Ourselves –

And Immortality

In those lines, Dickinson juxtaposes loss of life and immortality, notions that oppose every other. This juxtaposition makes the reader reconsider that means of loss of life via way of means of associating it with immortality.

Dickinson makes use of figurative language to sell a peaceful recognition of the loss of life. Although the loss of life in itself is tragic, Dickinson treats it with the emotional adulthood of a vintage friend. Her goal is possibly to pressure domestic the concept that existence is going on after the loss of life or to reveal that loss of life isn’t something we have to worry due to the fact we stable the immortality of limitless time in the loss of life.

Step-by-step explanation:

sample answer, I just changed it a little