Richard Cory

            

          RichardCory is a narrative poem composed by Edwin Arlington Robinson. The poem describes a wealthy admired man, who commits suicide. One theme in the poem is that money cannot buy happiness. Another theme in the poem could be described by the quote, "Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many" (Phaedrus). Edwin Arlington Robinson argues the themes very well by being literal and minimizing the use of poetic devices. The diction throughout the poem gives a sense of insight as well.

            The second line in the first stanza describes the socio-economic class difference between Richard Cory and a peasant. It states "We people on the pavement looked at him". The way I interpreted this line was, the lower class looked up to him from the ground. This shows the class dissimilarity and admiration towards Richard.  The third line reads "He was a gentleman from sole to crown." This shows the speakers admiration and obsession with him. The speaker is emphasizing on the fact how kingly Richard was from toe to head.

            The second stanza describes Richard's personality. Richard is portrayed as a humble generous man who would not look down on the lower class. The word "arrayed" implies that Richard had an effect on people when he would communicate with them. This is due to his appearance and wealth. The words "fluttered" and "glittered" show how the lower class looked at him.

            In the third stanza describes Richard's successful lifestyle. Cory is described "richer than a king". Not only has the speaker admired his personality, but also his wealth. The speaker goes on to say that people wished they were him. Cory is described as a man who has everything.

            The fourth and final stanza is the turning point in the poem. It begins with the speaker criticizing his life. The poem than reads "And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head." Throughout the poem Richard is illustrated as a man who has it all. The poor work hard and still live in poverty. Richard Cory has the appearance, the wealth, and the successful lifestyle, but he is the one who kills himself.

            The twist towards the end gives the reader a greater meaning. Why would someone who has it all want to kill himself? The rhetorical question Edwin Arlington Robinson leaves the reader with creates a great deal of interest in the poem. The reader is left to ponder the thought. Edwin Arlington Robinson told the story from a third person point of view, which made the poem much more interesting to me. I also like this poem because it is very literal and contains no metaphors or similes.