A person’s attitude to Death is one of the most pressing issues not only for philosophers but also for representatives of creative professions. This topic continues to be a source of inspiration and ideas for most writers and poets due to the uncertainty and ambiguity in the definition of such “image.” Thus, the world-famous creators, Dickinson and Donne, tried to portray their ideas and views on the Death and “inevitable end” vision.
First of all, Death, in the poems, is a personified, lively and vivid image endowed with special and unique features. There, Dickinson clearly outlines His nature “Because I could not stop for Death. He kindly stopped for me” (Dickinson 1). Death is polite, compliant, and amiable, so this image for Emily is depicted as a positive and kind phenomenon rather than an unfavorable and terrifying one. She is not afraid of Death and accepts Him as something natural and quite real.
Additionally, similar views and judgments are shared by Emily’s “colleague.” Yet, Donne addresses Death as if “he” were a real person: “Death, be not proud” (Donne 1). In “Death, Be Not Proud,” the “image” is presented in the role of a “whipping boy,” over which the poet scoffs in every possible way and puts it not in the best light. With courage and masculinity, Donne and Emily Dickinson are ready to accept the embrace of Death with pride and dignity.
Moreover, in the view of Dickinson and Donne, Death is not only the “hero” of their works but also the embodiment of a natural phenomenon or occasion. So, for Emily, it is a slow and unhurried process of transition from one stage of human existence to a slightly different state. This is a journey of a lifetime, through a wide range of events passed. On the other hand, in John’s mind, Death operates in several time frames. Dunn suggests that this is a kind of procedure of transition to rest and sleep, rather than a real murder, overthrow, and transition into darkness and emptiness.
In conclusion, John Donne and Emily Dickinson’s poems have a common theme and share relatively common views and interests. In fact, Death in the two poems is presented not only as a living image but also as a process of transition from one stage to another. John and Emily are not afraid of Death and accept it as it really is and probably should be.
Works Cited
Dickinson, Emily. “Because I Could Not Stop for Death.” Poetry Foundation, Web.
Donne, John. “Holy Sonnets: Death, Be Not Proud.” Poetry Foundation, Web.