Because I Could Not Stop for Death

Themes, Metaphors and Symbols

Death

The speaker is talking about a carriage ride with Death personified. She is busy and 'could not stop for Death', so he 'kindly stopped' for her. They travel in a 'Carriage' past scenes of her childhood until she grows cold in her grave.

Death personified

Death is made to sound almost as if he is courting the woman by taking her on a carriage ride. This resonates with some denominations of Christianity where women are described as 'brides of Christ'. This image is linked to the woman's clothing- 'Gossammer' and 'Gown' are typical wedding clothes.

Stages of life (stanza…