Mason F.

Adams

Professor Hughes

ENG 101

10 October 2023

Poem Analysis
When analyzing a work, such as Emily Dickinson’s “Because I could not stop for Death,”

it’s important to remember both the historical and feminist perspectives the poem was written

under. In this case, the poem was written in the mid-1800s, most likely during the American

Civil war and the Romantic era of literature. These eras are reflected in the poem through the

themes of mortality, individualism, and feminism, offering a glimpse into the time period and

insight into the human experience.

The first and most prominent theme of the poem is morality, the feeling and knowledge

that death always comes for us, no matter what. In the lines “He kindly stopped for me – The

Carriage held but just Ourselves –And Immortality” (Dickinson, lines 2-4), she explains death as

a sort of slow and peaceful experience, which tries to portray death as a comforting stage of life.

Death is also shown not to be hostile, as she does willingly join him in the carriage. When

compared to the carnage and destruction present during the Civil War, the poem sits in high

contrast. Death and mortality are both parts of life that everyone must deal with, whether it is

sudden and gruesome, like in war or a car accident, or if it is peaceful like Dickinson describes.

The portrayal of death, however, is rather unique to this poem.

Death, in this poem, rather than being the bloodthirsty monster that most people know

death to be, is portrayed as a rather kind gentleman, helping the speaker into the carriage. It’s a

very subtle subversion of traditional gender roles, having the speaker as the one controlling
death, while he treats her with respect and dignity. This is an important piece of the poem, as it is

where we find the first evidence of feminism in the poem. The second is how she chooses to go

with Death. She is not forced into going with him, she rather chooses to accompany him on his

journey to Eternity. In a patriarchal society that often dictates how women should navigate life

and death, the speaker's calm and composed demeanor in the face of mortality challenges

traditional notions of feminine fragility. She refuses to succumb to fear or hysteria, opting

instead for a measured contemplation of her own mortality. By subverting these expectations, the

speaker asserts her autonomy and agency. The following journey to Eternity, with all the passing

scenery, is metaphorical representations of the journey of life. The line “We passed the School,

where Children strove” most obviously represents childhood, while the lines of passing the fields

and the sun represent teen life and adulthood respectively. These ideas all connect to represent

the eternal nature of femininity, one that still holds up today. But the poem also promotes the

idea of individualism.

Embedded within the Romantic Period, a movement celebrated for its emphasis on

individual experience and emotion, this poem resonates with the spirit of the era. As mentioned

before, in the speaker’s encounter with Death deviates from the conventional portrayal as a

fearsome figure, and rather shows him as a friendly fellow. This version of Death subverts

societal expectations, underlining the idea that one's journey into eternity is a profoundly

personal, individual experience. This perspective aligns with the Romantic notion that even in

the face of life's most profound challenges, there lies an inner strength, a wellspring of resilience.

The speaker’s contemplation of death is also marked by an unexpected serenity. Despite the

inherently daunting nature of mortality, as shown in the stanza “Since then – 'tis Centuries – and

yet, Feels shorter than the Day, I first surmised the Horses' Heads, Were toward Eternity_”
(Dickinson, lines 25-28), her tone remains composed and reflective. This emotional equilibrium

speaks to the Romantic belief in the human capacity to confront adversity with grace and

fortitude, a theme that can also be linked back to femininity.

From a feminist perspective, the poem offers a powerful exploration of agency,

autonomy, and the cyclical nature of life. By reframing the speaker's encounter with Death, we

uncover layers of empowerment and resistance against patriarchal expectations. Through her

deliberate choice to engage with mortality on her own terms, the speaker emerges as a figure of

strength, challenging conventional notions of feminine passivity. This feminist reading invites us

to celebrate the speaker's agency and reclaim the narrative surrounding life, death, and the

enduring spirit of women.

In conclusion, with "Because I could not stop for Death," Emily Dickinson masterfully

weaves together themes of mortality, individualism, and feminism, offering a profound

meditation on the human experience. Against the backdrop of the American Civil War,

Dickinson's introspective exploration of death stands as a testament to the resilience of the

human spirit. Through meticulous use of imagery and symbolism, she imparts a timeless

message: that death, though inevitable, is an integral part of the intricate tapestry of life.