Because I could not "stop for" death

[sitifan]

Because I could not stop for Death –
He kindly stopped for me –
The Carriage held but just Ourselves –
And Immortality.
(My bold.) Source: Emily Dickinson.

What does the phrasal verb "stop for" mean in the above quotation?

 

[Skrej]

It's not a phrasal verb. It's just stating what is being stopped for. It's the reason for the stop - to pick up Death (or me).

Compare it to something like "Let's stop for pizza" or "Let's stop for something to eat."

Death is being personified here as a person (or at least a living entity).

 

[Tarheel]

I use that poetic device myself sometimes. In "She Is the Wind" I compare the wind to a person.