Question

how do both Dickinson and Whitman show they are unfraid of death in their poems 712 and song of myself

Answer 1

Answer: Both authors describe death as a spiritual rebirth, a new beginning.

Explanation:

In his poem "Song of Myself", Whitman argues that “…to die is different from what any one supposed, and / luckier.”  He describes death as a return to life, a new beginning. In the poem, he explores the theme of mortality, reminding the audience that everyone must die eventually.

Emily Dickinson takes a similar viewpoint in 712 "Because I Could Not Stop for Death". Death is personified in this poem, and takes a role of a gentle guide that accompanies the speaker on her journey from life to death. Death is not intimidating as people often think, and gives an impression that he cares about the speaker's feelings.