Richard Cory
by Edwin Arlington Robinson
Whenever Richard Cory went down town,
We people on the pavement looked at him:
He was a gentleman from head to toe,
Clean favored, and imperially slim.And he was always quietly arrayed,
And he was always human when he talked;
But still he fluttered pulses when he said,
“Good-morning,” and he glittered when he walked.And he was rich, yes, richer than a king,
And admirably schooled in every grace:
In fine, we thought that he was everything
To make us wish that we were in his place.So on we worked, and waited for the light,
And went without the meat, and cursed the bread;
And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,
Went home and put a bullet through his head.
Summary of Richard Cory
- Popularity of “Richard Cory” This poem, penned by Edwin Arlington Robinson in 1897, remains a powerful and frequently analyzed work of American literature. “Richard Cory” explores the deceptive nature of appearances and the hidden struggles that can exist beneath a seemingly perfect exterior. It is a poignant reminder that wealth and social status do not guarantee happiness or inner peace.
- “Richard Cory” as a Representative of Wonder The poem centers on Richard Cory, a wealthy and seemingly flawless man who captivates the attention of the working‑class people in town. They observe him with envy, believing he possesses all the advantages in life. However, the shocking twist—Cory’s suicide—reveals a tragic irony: outward appearances can be profoundly misleading. The poem challenges us to look beyond the surface and consider the unseen burdens others might carry.
- Major Themes in “Richard Cory” Several significant themes weave through “Richard Cory.” These include wealth versus happiness, the illusion of perfection, social class and envy, and the isolating nature of hidden suffering. The poem does not offer easy answers but rather prompts us to contemplate the complexities of human experience and the elusive nature of true fulfillment.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “Richard Cory”
Literary devices are the tools writers use to create meaning, evoke emotion, and enhance the impact of their work. Examining these devices in “Richard Cory” unlocks deeper layers of understanding.
- Anaphora Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. While not pervasive, the repetition of “And” at the beginning of lines in the first two stanzas—“And he was always quietly arrayed,” “And he was always human when he talked”—emphasizes the qualities that make Cory seem so admirable and unattainable.
- Assonance Assonance involves the repetition of vowel sounds within words. Notice the repeated short “e” sound in the line “He was a gentleman from head to toe.” This subtle repetition creates a musicality and draws attention to the description of Cory’s elegance.
- Alliteration Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. For example, the repetition of the “w” sound in “we worked, and waited” emphasizes the laborious and hopeful lives of the townspeople.
- Allusion Although not a direct allusion, the poem implicitly references the societal ideals of the Gilded Age—a time of immense wealth and stark inequality. Cory embodies the upper class, while the townspeople represent those struggling to make ends meet.
- Enjambment Enjambment is the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause. The lines “In fine, we thought that he was everything / To make us wish that we were in his place” demonstrate enjambment, creating a sense of flow and emphasizing the townspeople’s longing.
- Imagery Robinson masterfully employs imagery to paint a vivid picture of Cory and the townspeople. Phrases like “gentleman from head to toe,” “glittered when he walked,” and “went without the meat” appeal to our senses and create a strong emotional impact.
- Irony The poem’s central irony is that Cory, seemingly blessed with everything, takes his own life. This dramatic twist subverts our expectations and forces us to question the assumptions we make about happiness and success.
- Metonymy Metonymy is the substitution of the name of an attribute for the thing itself. The use of “crown” to represent Cory’s status and nobility is an example. It is not literally his headwear, but a symbolic representation of his wealth and social standing.
- Synecdoche Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part is used to represent the whole. In the line “And went without the meat, and cursed the bread,” “meat” and “bread” represent the entire sustenance needed for a complete meal.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “Richard Cory”
Poetic devices, closely related to literary devices, shape the rhythm, sound, and overall artistic effect of a poem.
- End Rhyme The poem follows a consistent ABAB end rhyme scheme in each stanza. This regular rhyme scheme contributes to the poem’s musicality and creates a sense of predictability, which is ironically juxtaposed with the shocking ending.
- Quatrain Each stanza of the poem consists of four lines—a quatrain—a traditional poetic form that lends itself to concise and impactful storytelling.
- Rhyme Scheme As noted above, the ABAB rhyme scheme is crucial to the poem’s structure and aesthetic appeal. It creates a sense of balance and harmony.
- Stanza Form The consistent use of four-line stanzas contributes to the poem’s overall sense of control and precision. It provides a framework for developing the narrative and delivering the final, shocking revelation.
Quotes to be Used
The lines stated below can be used in discussions to explore the qualities of a seemingly admirable individual.
“And he was always quietly arrayed,
And he was always human when he talked;
But still he fluttered pulses when he said,
“Good-morning,” and he glittered when he walked.”
“Richard Cory” remains a compelling and thought‑provoking poem because it challenges us to look beyond the surface, question our assumptions, and recognize the hidden struggles that may exist in the lives of others. It is a timeless reminder that true wealth lies not in material possessions, but in inner peace and genuine human connection.