What is similar about the subjects of "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church" and "Because I Could Not Stop for Death"?


Both poems personalize a broad concept, such as spirituality or mortality.


Both poems address mortality, specifically that of human beings.


Both poems concern religion on a basic and fundamental level.


Both poems advocate being fearful of one’s mortality.


Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church


by Emily Dickinson


Some keep the Sabbath going to Church –

I keep it, staying at Home –

With a Bobolinki for a Choristerii –

And an Orchard, for a Dome –


Some keep the Sabbath in Surpliceiii –

I just wear my Wings –

And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,

Our little Sexton – sings.


God preaches, a noted Clergyman –

And the sermon is never long,

So instead of getting to Heaven, at last –

I’m going, all along.



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 –