Both poems demonstrate an unusual tone toward death and personify the normally somber subject of human mortality. In Dickinson's "Because I could not stop," the speaker is lighthearted and whimsical in her attitude toward Death, who stops by in a carriage. When she does not pay him the attention that one would think Death garners, she says that he "kindly" stops by for her. Her curiosity seems to get the best of her; so she willingly steps into his carriage and rides along leisurely with him. Dickinson's use of images such as children at recess on the playground and "Fields of Gazing Grain" help reiterate the truth that the speaker does not appear to be the least bit concerned about riding around with Death. As the poem closes, the speaker admits that when she stepped aboard the carriage, she did not know that the "Horses Heads / Were toward Eternity," taking her to her grave, but even at this point, the speaker's tone does not become grim or solemn.
While Heather Royes' "Death Came to See Me" also possesses an atypical attitude toward the character of death, the speaker is not nearly as complacent about going anywhere with him. Like the speaker in Dickinson's poem, Royes' speaker is fascinated with the mysterious character who shows up in her dream, but she physically fights him when he reaches for her throat. Despite the altercation, the speaker still maintains an admiring, enamored tone toward Death, especially when it comes to his "hot pink pants," laughter, and beauty.
Ultimately, both poems use the speakers' tones to present the idea that perhaps death will not approach one in the expected, dreaded manner. According to Dickinson, it might include a unhurried ride past life's daily treasures, or like Royes' character, death might fancifully fight us while we succumb to a fascination with its appearance.
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