Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson Essay Example

wealth. True personal happiness encompasses far more than mere material riches. It is important to consider and maintain certain elements for individuals to lead healthy and happy lives in their respective areas of residence.

The poet's message is clear: Richard's death was not only wealthy but also filled with loneliness and sadness. The poem demonstrates that Richard lacked viable relationships, which supports the notion that his act of suicide was a result of his isolation. If Richard had any form of relationship, he may not have resorted to suicide. Significant individuals in one's life can serve as a driving force to make the right choices. Richard's decision to keep his emotions hidden from the world may have contributed to his choice to end his own life, in addition to lacking someone to share his troubles with (Scheick3).

Richard Cory is portrayed in the poem as a symbol of the upper class, while the townspeople represent the middle class (Scheick3). The poet's intention was to convey the idea that everyone should be satisfied with what they have and not envy the wealth of others. The poem illustrates that, like Richard, wealth cannot buy happiness or the companionship that people long for in their lives.

This poem explores the factors that drove Richard to take his own life (Scheick4). It emphasizes the enigma surrounding his decision rather than its underlying causes. Richard's unexpected suicide greatly surprised those who admired his affluence. Considering his power and ample resources, people never anticipated him to end his existence. This left many in Richard's community bewildered, especially when they themselves were struggling financially.

In terms of the language used to convey the poet's intended message,

it can be stated that the language employed was highly descriptive. Despite the absence of similes, metaphors, symbolism, and other poetic devices, the poet managed to achieve resonance in the words used, even though the poem is primarily literal. This contrast is evident from the line "Whenever Richard Cory went down," which runs throughout the poem (Scheick 2). If Richard Cory went downtown, as stated in the poem, it would imply that there was a time when Richard was situated in affluent residential neighborhoods. Conversely, downtown symbolizes the business district apartments where members of the working class and apartment dwellers inhabited.

The poem was created to highlight the disparities between the wealthy and less affluent in society. Richard Cory represented the upper class, while those on the pavement struggled to make ends meet. The less privileged people longed for the same status as Richard, despite their difficult circumstances (Scheick 2).

The poem highlights the irony of a wealthy person's lifestyle, specifically Richard Cory. Growing up in a wealthy family, with his father owning a significant portion of their region, Cory became an aspiration for others. The narrator, possibly an employee at Cory's factory, describes his wealth and possessions in an exaggerated and absurd manner to emphasize how highly he was regarded by those around him. The poem exposes the irony that while rich individuals were often unhappy despite their immense wealth, the poor saw their affluence as a source of happiness. Richard Cory symbolizes the irony in the lives pursued by Americans in modern society. While many less privileged individuals admired the luxurious lifestyles of the wealthy, the affluent often faced troubles and led unhappy lives filled

with sadness and despair. This was evident in the domestic struggles experienced by numerous wealthy families in America.This can be attributed to instances where men in these households displayed little interest in their families, spending limited time with them and using work or distant conferences as an excuse. In such scenarios, the wives of these men suspected that their husbands were having affairs with the women they encountered in these locations, neglecting their families in favor of spending time elsewhere.

Despite the speaker and his friends observing Richard Cory from a distance whenever he visited the city, it is undeniable that the speaker himself belonged to the lower class of society. The speaker's envy for Richard's opulent lifestyle leads them to yearn for the same wealth and prosperity. However, despite their relentless hard work, the working class can only afford basic necessities like bread while longing for the extravagant privileges enjoyed by the affluent members of their society. (Scheick6)

The poem emphasizes the distinction between two groups of people using the term "gentleman." It suggests that a gentleman belonged to a higher social class compared to those referred to as "men." The poet argues that Richard showcased his gentlemanly qualities in every aspect, representing Cory's opulent lifestyle within their community. The word "crown" symbolizes Richard's head, while "sole" represents his shoes. Symbolically, "crown" signifies the regal way of life enjoyed by Richard in his society.

Work Cited

Scheick, William J. "Edwin Arlington Robinson." MagillS Survey Of American Literature, Revised Edition (2006): 1-5. Literary Reference Center. Web. 11 Sept. 2016.