In literature, themes shape and characterize an author's writing, making each work unique as different points of view are expressed within the words and sentences of a piece of writing. This is the case, for example, of the poem “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe and the poem “Why I could not stop for death” by Emily Dickinson. Both poems focus on the same theme of death, but while Poe's poem reflects that death is an excruciating event because of the suffering and struggle it causes, Dickinson's poem reflects that death is human and should not be feared because it is inevitable. The two poems have similarities and differences, and the themes and characteristics of each poem can be explained by the author's influences and lives. “Although Emily Dickinson is known as one of America's best and most beloved poets, her extraordinary talent was not recognized until after her death” (Kort 1). Dickinson was born on December 10, 1830, in Amherst, Massachusetts, where she spent much of her life. part of her life with her younger sister, older brother, semi-invalid mother and domineering father in the house owned by her prominent family. As a child she was curious and was considered a brilliant student and a voracious reader. Amherst Academy in 1847 and attended a women's seminary for a year, which she dropped out because she believed that "'I [she] am [was] alone in the rebellion [against becoming an 'established Christian']" (Kort 1) and He was homesick. He subsequently excluded himself from social life, taking on most domestic responsibilities, and began to write only once. During the rest of his life he wrote prolifically, retreating to his room whenever he could. Her works were influenced... half of the paper... the window: the poetry of Emily Dickison." Bloom's Literature. Ed. Facts On File, Inc. Np: np, nd No. page. Bloom's Literature. Web. January 29, 2014. Phillips, Elizabeth “The Histrionic Imagination.” Poetry Foundation. Ed. Poetry Foundation. Harriet Monroe Poetry Institute, n.d. Web. January 26, 2014. Redfield, J. S. "The Genius of Poe." Preface. The works of Edgar Allan Poe. Ed. AC Armstrong & Son. New York: A. C. Armstrong & Son., 1884. xv-xxvi. EPUB files. Sova, Dawn B. "Poe, Edgar Allan's Literature." Ed. Facts on File, Inc. Np: np, nd N. Bloom's Literature. Web. January 23, 2014. Sova, Dawn B. "'Annabel Lee.'" Bloom's Literature, January 29. 2014.