Emily Dickinson

The Chariot

Summary

This literary piece explores the theme of mortality through a metaphorical journey with Death as a courteous guide. The narrator reflects on accepting Death's presence, symbolized by a carriage ride shared only with Immortality. As they proceed slowly past symbols of life and nature, such as playing children and fields, the journey represents life's transition to the afterlife. At last, they pause before a house that resembles a grave, indicating a final resting place. The narrator's experience transitions from a single day to an eternal understanding, as they realize their journey has led them toward eternity, emphasizing the inevitable but gentle passage from life to the unknown beyond.

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Because I could not stop for Death,
He kindly stopped for me;
The carriage held but just ourselves
And Immortality.

We slowly drove, he knew no haste,
And I had put away
My labor, and my leisure too,
For his civility.

We passed the school where children played,
Their lessons scarcely done;
We passed the fields of gazing grain,
We passed the setting sun.

We paused before a house that seemed
A swelling of the ground;
The roof was scarcely visible,
The cornice but a mound.

Since then ‘t is centuries; but each
Feels shorter than the day
I first surmised the horses’ heads
Were toward eternity.

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