“Because I could not stop for Death” by Emily Dickinson (1890)

This well-known poem highlights Dickinson’s interest in death, as she personifies Death and describes a carriage ride she takes with Death.

“‘Hope’ is the thing with feathers” by Emily Dickinson (1891)

In contrast to her reputation as a poet who is fascinated with death, this poem’s hopeful themes reveal another side to Dickinson.

“I heard a Fly buzz — when I died” by Emily Dickinson (1896)

In this poem, Dickinson imagines her own death and the reactions of her loved ones.

“I’m Nobody! Who are you?” by Emily Dickinson (1891)

One of Dickinson’s most anthologized poems, this poem playfully addresses the theme of identity. This poem is a good introduction to understanding her unique use of punctuation.

“Song of Myself” By Walt Whitman (1892)

Dickinson is most often compared to contemporary poet Walt Whitman. While more conventional in form, Whitman, like Dickinson, uses a distinct first-person point of view to express a variety of emotions related to self-identification.