Similarities
One common theme shared by the two assigned poems for this week, Emily Dickinson’s “Because I Could not Stop for Death” and Gwendolyn Brooks’ “The Mother,” is the exploration of mortality and its consequences.
The speaker in Dickinson’s poem thinks about her death and the experience of being abducted by Death on a carriage ride. Death is portrayed in the poem as a pleasant and reassuring event, with Death represented as a friendly suitor. The speaker is led through several phases of life, symbolized by the changing of seasons until they arrive at their ultimate goal of eternal. This poem examines the unavoidability of death and the acceptance that it requires. It implies that death should not be dreaded but instead accepted as a normal part of life.
Differences
On the other hand, Brooks’ poetry “The Mother” takes a different approach to death. The poem is written from the perspective of a woman who has undergone several abortions. The speaker considers the children she never had and the shame and anguish she feels as a result of their absence. The poem digs into the speaker’s emotional and psychological implications of terminating her pregnancy. It delves into the complicated sentiments of regret, desire, and emptiness caused by these children’s lack in her life. The poem highlights issues concerning the implications of decisions and the long-term influence they may have.
Despite variances in tone and subject matter, both poems address the issue of mortality. Dickinson’s poem depicts death as a calm and tranquil trip, but Brooks’ poem examines the aftermath of death and the emotional toll it may have on the living. Both poems reflect the everyday experience of confronting the truth of death and how it impacts our lives. They encourage readers to consider their mortality and their decisions in light of it.
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