In “When Death Comes,” Oliver includes various representations of death, but the image that is somewhat of greater importance is death being a “cottage of darkness.” She tweaks the concept of death, which is often understood as a concluding event. With this phrase, she depicts death to be a location or destination. This pastoral representation of death as a cottage instills a sense of comfort in it. The “darkness” points to a sense of mystery and the absence of light of hope. Oliver approaches this cottage with a sense of “curiosity.” This inquisitiveness toward the unknown does not instill fear but wonder in readers. Hence, death is not an end but a mere cottage that is both comfortable and mysterious.