“Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

“Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson first appeared in 1897 in the collection The Children of the Night. The poem, one of Robinson’s most famous, is noted for its stark simplicity of language and form, which effectively underscores the tragic irony of the narrative. It tells the story of a wealthy, admired man who seemingly has everything, yet takes his own life, challenging readers’ assumptions about happiness and success. The poem’s enduring appeal lies in its exploration of the hidden depths of human despair, the deceptive nature of appearances, and the universal longing for connection and understanding.

Text: “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

Annotations: “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

Stanza	Annotation
1	Introduces Richard Cory, a wealthy and refined gentleman who commands attention and admiration from the public.
2	Describes Cory’s elegant appearance and demeanor, describing him as “quietly arrayed” and “human” in conversation, but also captivating and impressive.
3	Emphasizes Cory’s wealth and refinement, suggesting that he has everything anyone could want, leading the public to envy his position.
4	Contrasts the public’s struggles and hardships with Cory’s apparent perfection, leading to a shocking revelation that Cory has committed suicide, suggesting that appearances can be deceiving.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

Device	Example and Explanation	Function
Allusion	“Richer than a king” refers to Cory’s wealth.	Highlights Cory’s extreme wealth and status.
Anaphora	“And he was always…”	Emphasizes the consistency of Cory’s demeanor.
Assonance	“He was a gentleman from sole to crown.”	Creates a smooth and melodious flow in describing Cory.
Consonance	“Good-morning,” “glittered”	Enhances the musical quality of the poem.
Enjambment	“And he was rich—yes, richer than a king—” / “And admirably schooled in every grace:”	Carries the meaning over from one line to the next.
Hyperbole	“Richer than a king”	Emphasizes Cory’s immense wealth.
Irony	Cory, seemingly perfect and enviable, takes his own life.	Contrasts appearance with reality for dramatic effect.
Metaphor	“Clean favored, and imperially slim.”	Describes Cory’s appearance with royalty.
Onomatopoeia	“Glittered”	Implies a sparkling or shining sound as Cory walks.
Oxymoron	“Imperially slim”	Combines contradictory terms for emphasis.
Paradox	“And went without the meat, and cursed the bread;”	Contradicts the initial admiration for Cory’s life.
Personification	“And he was always human when he talked;”	Attributes human qualities to Cory’s speech.
Repetition	“And he was always…”	Emphasizes Cory’s consistent demeanor.
Rhyme	“Slim” and “him”	Creates a pattern and enhances the poem’s musicality.
Simile	“Richer than a king”	Compares Cory’s wealth directly to that of a king.
Symbolism	“Good-morning,” “glittered”	Represents Cory’s polite greeting and shining presence.
Synecdoche	“From sole to crown”	Refers to Cory’s entire person by mentioning parts.
Tone	The poem’s tone shifts from admiration to shock and irony.	Sets the emotional atmosphere of the poem.
Understatement	“Went home and put a bullet through his head.”	Minimizes the impact of Cory’s tragic action.

Themes: “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

1. The Illusion of Happiness: The poem primarily focuses on the deceptive nature of appearances. Richard Cory is presented as the embodiment of success, with the townspeople viewing him as the epitome of happiness due to his wealth, charm, and social standing. The lines “clean favored, and imperially slim” and “glittered when he walked” create an image of perfection and allure. However, the shocking ending, “Went home and put a bullet through his head,” shatters this illusion, highlighting that material wealth and external appearances do not guarantee happiness.
2. Social Disparity and Envy: The poem also explores the theme of social inequality. The “people on the pavement” represent the working class, who admire and envy Cory’s seemingly perfect life. The lines “we thought that he was everything/ To make us wish that we were in his place” underscore this yearning for a better life. Yet, the poem suggests that envy and comparison can be misleading, as Cory’s internal struggles remain hidden from the outside world.
3. Isolation and Loneliness: Despite his outward charm and social interactions, Richard Cory’s suicide suggests a profound sense of isolation. The poem does not delve into his inner thoughts, but his actions imply a deep-seated loneliness and despair. The phrase “always quietly arrayed” may hint at a reserved nature that prevented him from forming genuine connections, ultimately leading to his tragic end.
4. The Futility of Materialism: The poem critiques the pursuit of material wealth as the sole source of happiness. Richard Cory’s riches and possessions ultimately fail to fulfill him, leading to his demise. The lines “So on we worked, and waited for the light,/ And went without the meat, and cursed the bread” depict the townspeople’s struggle for basic necessities, contrasting sharply with Cory’s abundance. The poem implies that true happiness lies beyond material possessions, in genuine connections and inner peace.

Literary Theories and “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

1. Marxist Theory: A Marxist reading of “Richard Cory” would focus on the socioeconomic disparities between Richard Cory and the townspeople. Cory is presented as a symbol of the capitalist elite, “richer than a king,” while the townspeople are the exploited working class, “went without the meat, and cursed the bread.” The poem highlights the stark contrast between their lives, suggesting that Cory’s wealth is built upon their labor. However, the Marxist critique oversimplifies the poem’s message. Cory’s suicide complicates the narrative, suggesting that wealth doesn’t necessarily lead to happiness or fulfillment, challenging the idea that economic status is the sole determinant of well-being.
2. Psychoanalytic Theory: A psychoanalytic approach might interpret Richard Cory’s suicide as a manifestation of repressed psychological trauma or a deep-seated existential crisis. The poem doesn’t explicitly reveal Cory’s inner life, but his outward perfection could be a mask concealing inner turmoil. The phrase “always quietly arrayed” may suggest a guarded personality, hinting at the suppression of emotions that ultimately lead to his tragic end. However, this interpretation relies on speculation about Cory’s psychology, as the poem offers no concrete evidence of his internal struggles.
3. New Criticism/Formalism: A formalist reading would analyze the poem’s structure, language, and literary devices to derive meaning. The poem’s consistent ABAB rhyme scheme and iambic pentameter create a sense of order and predictability, mirroring the townspeople’s perception of Cory’s life. The sudden shift in the final stanza, with Cory’s suicide, disrupts this order, highlighting the unexpected nature of his actions. However, this approach might overlook the poem’s social commentary and the broader implications of Cory’s tragedy. It focuses solely on the text itself, neglecting the historical and cultural context that informs the poem’s meaning.

Critical Questions about “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

• What is the significance of Richard Cory’s portrayal as a character?
• Edwin Arlington Robinson’s portrayal of Richard Cory as a seemingly perfect and enviable figure serves as a critique of societal perceptions of wealth and success. Cory is depicted as wealthy, cultured, and admired by those around him, yet his tragic end reveals the stark contrast between outward appearances and internal reality. This portrayal underscores Robinson’s commentary on the dangers of placing too much value on external markers of success without considering the complexities of a person’s inner life. By juxtaposing Cory’s admired status with his ultimate despair, Robinson prompts readers to reflect on the limitations of material wealth and the often-hidden burdens carried by individuals deemed successful in society.
• How does the use of irony contribute to the poem’s message?
• Irony plays a pivotal role in “Richard Cory,” fundamentally shaping the poem’s message about the disconnect between appearance and reality. Cory is initially presented as a flawless and admired figure, admired by all who encounter him. However, the poem’s concluding lines reveal the shocking truth of Cory’s suicide, turning the initial admiration into a profound irony. This irony highlights the superficiality of societal judgments based solely on external appearances and wealth. Robinson employs irony not merely for dramatic effect but to provoke deeper contemplation on the complexities of human existence and the limitations of outward success as a measure of happiness.
• What thematic contrasts are explored in the poem?
• “Richard Cory” explores several thematic contrasts that enrich its narrative depth. The most striking is the contrast between appearance and reality. Cory is depicted as the embodiment of success, wealth, and social admiration, yet his tragic end reveals the unseen struggles and emotional turmoil beneath his composed exterior. Another thematic contrast is between social classes and perceptions of happiness. While the townspeople envy Cory’s life and status, his ultimate act challenges the assumption that material wealth equates to fulfillment. Additionally, the poem contrasts the public persona of Cory with his private suffering, underscoring the disparity between outward appearances and inner reality.
• How does the poem’s structure enhance its thematic exploration?
• Robinson’s choice of a traditional quatrain form with an ABAB rhyme scheme and consistent meter contributes to the poem’s thematic exploration in several ways. The structured form initially mirrors the orderly and seemingly perfect life of Richard Cory himself. However, the rigid structure also serves as a stark contrast to the underlying tension and eventual disruption revealed in the poem’s conclusion. The regularity of the form underscores the facade of perfection maintained by Cory, while the abruptness of his tragic end disrupts the poem’s rhythmic flow, mirroring the disruption of societal norms and expectations. Thus, the poem’s structure not only enhances the narrative’s impact but also reinforces its thematic exploration of appearances versus realities and the fragility of human contentment.

Topics, Questions, and Thesis Statements about “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

Topic	Question	Thesis Statement
Social Commentary on Wealth	How does Robinson critique societal attitudes towards wealth and success in “Richard Cory”?	In “Richard Cory,” Robinson critiques societal perceptions of wealth by juxtaposing Richard Cory’s admired exterior with his tragic reality, revealing the superficiality of social judgments based on material success.
Irony and Its Role	What role does irony play in shaping the message of “Richard Cory”?	Irony in “Richard Cory” underscores the disparity between appearances and realities, challenging the assumption that outward success equates to happiness and prompting a deeper reflection on the complexities of human emotions.
Characterization of Richard Cory	How does Robinson characterize Richard Cory in the poem?	Robinson portrays Richard Cory as a figure of admiration and envy among the townspeople, emphasizing his outward perfection while subtly hinting at the inner turmoil hidden beneath his facade.
Theme of Alienation and Isolation	How does “Richard Cory” explore the theme of alienation and isolation?	“Richard Cory” explores themes of alienation and isolation through Cory’s tragic fate, revealing the loneliness and disconnect that can exist even in the midst of outward success, thereby challenging conventional notions of happiness and fulfillment.

Literary Works Similar to “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

1. “We Wear the Mask” by Paul Laurence Dunbar: This poem, like “Richard Cory,” explores the theme of hidden suffering behind a facade of normalcy, as individuals wear masks to conceal their pain from society.
2. “The Road Not Taken” by Robert Frost: Although more focused on individual choices, this poem shares the thematic concern of the unseen aspects of life, as the speaker contemplates the paths not taken and the unknown possibilities they represent.
3. “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley: Both poems reflect on the fleeting nature of power and glory, with Ozymandias’ crumbled statue serving as a stark reminder of the impermanence of human achievements.
4. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe: While darker in tone, this poem shares the element of a sudden and tragic end, as the raven’s presence symbolizes the speaker’s descent into despair and grief.
5. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas: Both poems grapple with the theme of mortality, as the speakers urge defiance against death and a celebration of life, even in the face of darkness.

Suggested Readings: “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

1. Donaldson, Scott. Edwin Arlington Robinson: A Poet’s Life. Columbia University Press, 2007.
2. Robinson, Edwin Arlington. The Children of the Night. Richard G. Badger & Company, 1897.
3. Poetry Foundation. “Edwin Arlington Robinson.” Accessed 2 June 2023. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poets/edwin-arlington-robinson
4. Gradesaver. “Richard Cory Study Guide.” Accessed 2 June 2023.

Representative Quotations of “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective
“Whenever Richard Cory went down town, / We people on the pavement looked at him:”	Introduces Cory as an object of admiration and envy for the working-class townspeople.	Marxist: Emphasizes the class divide between Cory and the “people on the pavement.”
“He was a gentleman from sole to crown, / Clean favored, and imperially slim.”	Describes Cory’s physical appearance, emphasizing his elegance and refinement.	New Criticism/Formalism: The language creates a vivid image of Cory’s seemingly perfect exterior.
“And he was rich—yes, richer than a king— / And admirably schooled in every grace:”	Highlights Cory’s wealth and social status, reinforcing his position as an idealized figure.	Sociological: Explores the social dynamics of envy and admiration for those with higher status.
“So on we worked, and waited for the light, / And went without the meat, and cursed the bread;”	Contrasts the townspeople’s daily struggles with Cory’s privileged life, emphasizing their hardship and discontent.	Marxist: Underscores the exploitation of the working class and their yearning for a better life.
“And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, / Went home and put a bullet through his head.”	The shocking conclusion reveals the hidden despair beneath Cory’s facade, challenging the assumption that wealth equates to happiness.	Psychoanalytic: Suggests the possibility of repressed trauma or a deep existential crisis lurking beneath Cory’s seemingly perfect life.