The theme of death, including her own, was a widespread theme in Emily Dickinson's poems and letters. Some may find his preoccupation with death morbid, but this was not unusual for his time period. The mentality in Mrs. Dickinson's time was to be ready to die, in the 19th century people died of disease and accidents at an alarming rate, not to mention the Civil War had a high death toll, she even lived 15 years of his youth next to a cemetery. Dickinson's view on death was never something to fear, she almost romanized it, in her poem "Why I Couldn't Stop for Death", she actually personifies death as she narrates from beyond the grave. In the first stanza he states “I couldn't stop for death, so he kindly stopped for me” (Dickinson). Death is like a loving companion who simply waits for her to slow down so he can take her with him into eternity. As they travel to eternity, she describes Death as a very patient individual, she says that Death "walks away slowly, unhurriedly", Death knows he cannot escape, so he patiently waits for her. Dickinson “anthropomorphizes Death as a gentle, civilized gentleman” (Shaw). She shows her gratitude for the patient and gentlemanly Death by setting aside her labors and free time that once kept her preoccupied with everything except her impending journey to the afterlife. The way it symbolizes her approach to the impending afterlife Dickinson creates an atmosphere of peace and tranquility as she moves into her eternity. This poem represents the three stages of life through symbolism; the school “where the children are engaged represents childhood”; grazing wheat fields” was a representation of maturity; and "The setting sun represents... in the center of the paper..." Santiago Suarez's conflicting views on death in Emily Dickinson's poems. 2004. March 8, 2012. “Summary of the poem: I died for beauty but I was poor. Ed. Brianna Gibbs. November 2010. MARCH 3, 2012. “Summary of the poem: I died for beauty but I was poor. Ed. Brianna Gibbs. November 2010. MARCH 3, 2012. “The spirituality of Emily Dickinson. Ed. Sumangali Morhall. March 7, 2012.“The spirituality of Emily Dickinson. Ed. Sumangali Morhall. March 7 2012.