Metaphors are often used by writers to evoke imagery and feelings that could be otherwise impossible to reach without a replacement that emphasizes the intention of an author. The poem “Because I could not stop for death” by Emily Dickinson uses an extended metaphor to transform the perception of a viewer on the topic. In this essay, I would like to analyze the metaphor used by the author and how it changes readers’ experiences.
The poem itself is based on the metaphor that personifies death and indirectly describes one’s passing. The author’s masterful use of an extended metaphor transforms the act of dying into a carriage ride. Dickinson (1890) describes how the Death “knew no haste,” as the cart slowed down, perhaps pointing out that a person is now dead and is taken to the other side. The descriptions that a now-dead person passes by represent their life, but there is no remorse in these lines. With the use of this literary device, the author is able to avoid any negative emotions. A person leaves their life in this world and moves towards the light of eternal peace, and this calm ride excels at representing such a journey.
In conclusion, the metaphor used by Emily Dickinson allowed her to deliver the desired emotions about such a tragic event in a way that allowed her to put a different shade on it. This literary device helps the author to create a vivid image in which a reader is transported to a peaceful, serene environment. Moreover, it helps Dickinson to allude to the dying mind while excluding emotions that are often associated with death, such as grief, remorse, or sadness.
Reference
Dickinson, E. (1890). Because I could not stop for death. Academy of American Poets. Web.