In the poems written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Emily Dickinson, and Walt Whitman these three poets share similarities and differences using literary devices such as mood theme and structure.
In the poem “A Psalm of Life” celebrates life and all it demands. It encourages one to make something out of life instead of waiting for the end. The theme of the poem is embedded within these lines “Lives of great men all remind us we can make our lives sublime and, departing, leave behind us footprints on the sand of time.” The theme is live a life with a purpose. The poem expresses for one to be alert. Be excited about life and enjoy it. The differences between “A Psalm of Life” is live for today and live a productive life while the major theme of “Because I could not stop for Death” the poem is about the cycle of life and the inevitability of death. The theme was supported by symbolism such as childhood play that represents childhood youth, and a…show more content… The poem says, “Life is real! Life is earnest! Be a hero in the strife! Act- act in the living present!” .The mental images Longfellow draws are powerful it makes one feel a little bit better about the life one is living, rather than not living at all. Live like there is no tomorrow. The words that contribute to the mood of the poem “Because I could not stop for Death” is care free and a calm acceptance of death, the poem states “He kindly stopped for me.” Dickinson described death like it had stopped to open the door for her. Dickinson is ready for the end but without hesitation. “We slowly drove, he knew no haste” She proceeds to go on with it willingly and slowly at his pace. “Beat! Beat! Drums!” mood is set for one to act with a sense of urgency. The explanation points add excitement and
