Emily Dickinson explored the dead as they lay in their resting places in “Safe in their Alabaster Chambers.” She wrote “…Untouched by Morning / And untouched by Noon- / Sleep the meek members of the Resurrection -…” Morning and noon represent the different points in time of someone’s life. Morning symbolizing childhood and noon symbolizing growing up, the past cannot “touch” or influence someone once they are dead. “Meek members of the Resurrection�

Dickinson’s fascination in death and immortality is yet again dominant in “I heard a Fly buzz—when I died.” This poem focuses on a mundane creature such as a fly and contrasts it with death. From “…The Eyes around—had wrung them dry-- / And Breaths were gathering firm…” the reader can deduce that the persona is lying on his or her deathbed waiting for the moment for the moment of truth surrounded by friends and family. “…For that last Onset…” illustrates once again Dickinson’s belief in the after-life by saying in modern day terms “This is the beginning of the end.” “…when the King / be witnessed—in the Room…” suggests that God is among friends and family and is watching over the persona. God in this poem is portrayed as having an eternal presence and will never abandon the persona in life or in death. “I willed my Keepsakes—Signed away / What portion of me be / Assignable…” Here Dickinson is talking about the trivial material possessions that will be useless once one is dead. Also in the latter passage Dickinson is exploring what one actually leaves behind when one dies. Not only will the persona leave behind such inconsequential things such as money and possessions but the impression one has on other people as can be remembered in pleasant memories.

One can infer that Dickinson was at ease and relaxed with Death as they rode in their carriage slowly traveling towards eternity. “…The Carriage held but just Ourselves-- / and Immortality.” To Dickinson, once you die there is nothing left except yourself, Death, and Immortality. Since Dickinson is assured that she is heading towards eternity she doesn’t have a reason to fear Death but to see him only as a patient and courteous escort into the after-life. As they approach their destination Dickinson notices the inadequacy of her clothing and conveys the coldness that is associated with death. “The Dews drew quivering and chill--

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