The mood of a poem is the emotional response the writer attempts to evoke in the reader through the use of connotation, situation, and experience. This poem about death exemplifies a mood of passive acceptance.

"Because I could not stop for Death—" presents an atypical reaction to a subject which is often presented with moods of fear and apprehension. However, from the first lines, the speaker conveys a quiet submission to Death's plans for her and even characterizes his actions as reflecting kindness. She demonstrates no particular worry or angst about entering this carriage driven by Death and recognizes the futility of the plans she had made prior to Death's arrival.

Death is slow and steady as he carries the speaker toward Eternity, and the speaker thus learns that she must "put away" the efforts and ambitions of her own life, which is now complete. As she passes by the metaphorical representations of her own life, she views those various periods without any emotional reaction. Even when she presumably "pause[s]" in front of her own grave, which is "scarcely visible" in the ground, she examines the spot with a quiet sense of detachment.

The speaker's patience and composure toward Death are atypical, and this creates an unexpected, accepting mood regarding her fate. The speaker never attempts to influence Death and instead journeys quietly and willingly with him to her afterlife.