Defamiliarization in Because I Could Not Stop For Death by Emily Dickinson

Abstract

This research analyzes defamiliarization in the poem Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Emily Dickinson using the theory of Russian Formalism. The poem Because I Could Not Stop for Death by Emily Dickinson reflects the theme of death through the use of personification and defamiliarization. Death is personified as a calm and friendly figure, who takes the character on a journey to eternity. Through the technique of defamiliarization, Dickinson transforms the conventional perception of death as frightening into a peaceful and inevitable experience. The research method used is descriptive qualitative analysis, focusing on poetry texts as the main data source. The results show that Dickinson portrays death as a friendly figure, changing the general perception of death. Defamiliarization is seen through the depiction of the journey toward death, interactions with everyday life, and unique experiences of time. These findings show that this poem provides a new perspective on the journey of life and death, and invites readers to reflect on the deeper meaning of life.