Richard Cory
Running Head: Richard Cory
Richard Cory
3/1/2013
Richard Cory, a poem written by Edward Arlington Robinson describes a man who is rich, educated, famous within the town, outgoing and friendly but ultimately he turns out to be a sad person who kills himself. The poem, Richard Cory despite its simplicity is very emotionally powerful. Irony, simplicity, and perfect rhyme depict the theme of the poem. The old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover.” rings true after reading this poem for sure. Richard Cory represents all the traits of a man who appears to have everything which demands admiration. We the readers come to realize that we never really knew Richard Cory at all. Therefore, don’t judge by appearance; you can think one thing about a person based off what they show you on the surface, but never really understand what’s going on inside their head. This poem left me confused which is the same emotion I felt when I learned about a friend who died the same way. I envied this friend because she seemed to also have everything. She was married to a great guy, had two beautiful young daughters, a beautiful home, money, and she was absolutely beautiful. On the outside she seemed to want for nothing. One day I received a phone call at work that my friend committed suicide. Angie, like Cory put a bullet through her head. One may be educated, have riches, fame, may be outgoing and friendly therefore, appearing to have everything but may be lacking something in their life that could create a state of mind allowing for tragic consequence such as suicide.
The poem is about a rich man that commits suicide, and the thoughts of the people in town that watch him in his everyday life. I believe Robinson is communicating that outward appearances are not always what they seem, and that money does not always make a person happy. Why does everyone want to be like someone else? It is human nature to want to be admired and honored. This is not right, though. Each and every
Richard Cory
3/1/2013
Richard Cory, a poem written by Edward Arlington Robinson describes a man who is rich, educated, famous within the town, outgoing and friendly but ultimately he turns out to be a sad person who kills himself. The poem, Richard Cory despite its simplicity is very emotionally powerful. Irony, simplicity, and perfect rhyme depict the theme of the poem. The old adage “don’t judge a book by its cover.” rings true after reading this poem for sure. Richard Cory represents all the traits of a man who appears to have everything which demands admiration. We the readers come to realize that we never really knew Richard Cory at all. Therefore, don’t judge by appearance; you can think one thing about a person based off what they show you on the surface, but never really understand what’s going on inside their head. This poem left me confused which is the same emotion I felt when I learned about a friend who died the same way. I envied this friend because she seemed to also have everything. She was married to a great guy, had two beautiful young daughters, a beautiful home, money, and she was absolutely beautiful. On the outside she seemed to want for nothing. One day I received a phone call at work that my friend committed suicide. Angie, like Cory put a bullet through her head. One may be educated, have riches, fame, may be outgoing and friendly therefore, appearing to have everything but may be lacking something in their life that could create a state of mind allowing for tragic consequence such as suicide.
The poem is about a rich man that commits suicide, and the thoughts of the people in town that watch him in his everyday life. I believe Robinson is communicating that outward appearances are not always what they seem, and that money does not always make a person happy. Why does everyone want to be like someone else? It is human nature to want to be admired and honored. This is not right, though. Each and every
References: Robinson, E (1865 – 1935) Richard Cory. Philip Smith “Ed” 100 Best Loved Poems (82). The World Health Organization calls for improved treatment for mental illness to reduce suicide. (2006). Indian Journal Of Medical Sciences, 60 (11), 486-487.