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5/14: "Because I could not stop for Death" Exit Ticket

You will write a theme statement and then explain your reasoning for the poem, “Because I could not stop for Death.”


The poem is on the assignment for your reference. You may not use notes or your poetry packets. You are not to consult any outside sources. Any evidence of copy and paste, leaving the tab, or typing anomalies will result in a ZERO on the assignment. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Question 1

Short answer

Write a ONE sentence theme statement for the poem. Make sure your theme statement includes the topic of the poem and the message/insight/lesson revealed about the topic. You can use the following sentence starter to help you to organize your ideas and to ensure you have included all elements:

Emily Dickinson's poem, “Because I Could Not Stop for Death” is about (insert universal truth/topic ) and reveals (insert the lesson learned/insight revealed/insight into humanity you think the poem is revealing about the universal truth topic).

Because I could not stop for Death

by Emily Dickinson


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 strove

At Recess—in the Ring—

We passed the Fields of Gazing Grain—

We passed the Setting Sun—


Or rather—He passed Us—

The Dews drew quivering and Chill—

For only Gossamer, my Gown—

My Tippet—only Tulle—


We paused before a House that seemed

A Swelling of the Ground—

The Roof was scarcely visible—

The Cornice—in the Ground—


Since then—'tis Centuries—and yet

Feels shorter than the Day

I first surmised the Horses' Heads

Were toward Eternity—


Question 2

Short answer

Explain in 2-3 complete sentences why you think this is the theme of the poem. Use evidence from the poem to support your reasoning.

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