Question

Before reading, the title “Because I could not stop for Death” most likely suggests—

(1 point)
Responses

a story about avoiding tragedy
a story about avoiding tragedy

a speaker who narrowly escaped death
a speaker who narrowly escaped death

a personified version of Death interacting with the speaker
a personified version of Death interacting with the speaker

a poem about physical aging and time
a poem about physical aging and time
Question 2
In the poem, Death is portrayed primarily as—(1 point)
Responses

a symbol of punishment for life’s mistakes
a symbol of punishment for life’s mistakes

a terrifying figure that forces the speaker into submission
a terrifying figure that forces the speaker into submission

a fleeting thought that passes quickly
a fleeting thought that passes quickly

a gentle companion who courteously escorts the speaker
a gentle companion who courteously escorts the speaker
Question 3
Which image best reinforces the calm, almost domestic tone of Death’s presence?(1 point)
Responses

“We slowly drove—He knew no haste”
“We slowly drove—He knew no haste”

"He kindly stopped for me"
"He kindly stopped for me"

“The Horses’ Heads / Were toward Eternity—”
“The Horses’ Heads / Were toward Eternity—”

“We passed the School, where Children strove”
“We passed the School, where Children strove”
Question 4
By personifying Death as a polite suitor rather than a grim reaper, Dickinson challenges traditional fears of mortality.(1 point)
Responses

True
True

False
False
Question 5
The overall tone of the poem can best be described as—(1 point)
Responses

bitter and accusatory
bitter and accusatory

mournful yet resilient
mournful yet resilient

sarcastic and mocking
sarcastic and mocking

calm and reflective

Answer 1

Question 1: a personified version of Death interacting with the speaker

Question 2: a gentle companion who courteously escorts the speaker

Question 3: "He kindly stopped for me"

Question 4: True

Question 5: calm and reflective