How do you interpret the central idea of 'Because I could not stop for Death'?

I've been analyzing the Emily Dickinson poem 'Because I could not stop for Death' for my literature class, and I'm a little confused. What do you guys think the central idea of the poem is?

The central idea of Emily Dickinson's "Because I could not stop for Death" is that death is a journey, rather than an endpoint—a transition from life into eternity. In the poem, death is personified as a polite, gentle character who takes the speaker on a carriage ride through various stages of life before reaching their final destination: the afterlife.

The poem explores the inevitability of death and suggests that it is a natural part of the life cycle. By giving Death human-like qualities, Dickinson aims to portray death not as something to be feared, but as an inevitable process that eventually comes for everyone. Through the speaker's journey, readers are reminded to appreciate the beauty and experiences of life while also recognizing that the time we have to be alive is finite.

Moreover, the poem also touches upon the theme of immortality. The speaker's journey with Death leads them to a state of timelessness, where "Centuries" feel like a short time. This idea can be interpreted as a reflection on the nature of the afterlife, and how it transcends the time constraints of mortal life.

In summary, the central idea of "Because I could not stop for Death" is the portrayal of death as a journey rather than a fearful end. Dickinson especially emphasizes the inevitability of death, the appreciation of life's experiences, and the concept of immortality in the afterlife.