American Icon: Emily Dickinson On this episode of “Studio 360,” radio personality and poet Sean Cole takes a closer look at Emily Dickinson’s legendary poem “Because I Could Not Stop for Death.”
This episode most recently aired on May 16, 2008, to commemorate Dickinson’s death.
by Kurt Andersen
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Emily Dickinson is one of those writers whose life is as famous as her writing. After Emily Dickinson died, her sister found nearly two thousand poems in her bureau, all ready for publication. In a surprising number of those poems, Emily Dickinson was writing from beyond the grave. "Because I Could Not Stop for Death," Dickinson's fantasy of getting picked up by the grim reaper, has become standard reading curriculum in English classes across America -- but it's still a very strange work of art.
On this episode of American Icons from "Studio 360," WBUR's Sean Cole - a poet himself -- took a closer look at Dickinson's legendary work.
PRI's Peabody Award-winning "Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen" from WNYC is public radio's smart and surprising guide to what's happening in pop culture and the arts. Each week, Kurt Andersen introduces you to the people who are creating and shaping our culture. Life is busy — so let "Studio 360" steer you to the must-see movie this weekend, the next book for your nightstand, or the song that will change your life.
