Richard Cory Essay

Richard Cory by Edward Arlington Robinson
Response Number 1 The poem "Richard Cory" tells the story of a man with the facade of having everything. Robinson utilizes several techniques to enhance the poem and to indicate quality of Richard Cory's life. The very formal diction reinforces the prosperity of his life while the mood accentuates the illusion of his happiness. Both techniques reinforce the facade that Richard Cory is a wealthy and influential man. Throughout the poem, every description of Richard Cory is of a prosperous and suave man. The diction carefully avoids any notion of negativity and is elegant until the very end of the poem. The line "he was a gentleman from sole to crown" creates the image that he was a sophisticated and held a powerful presence. The words "And admirably schooled in every grace" further reinforce the belief that he is well mannered and has an enjoyable and welcoming personality. To establish his supposed inner peace, the poem states the Richard Cory "was always quietly arrayed." This line shows that he never seemed to suffer emotional turmoil and was seemingly never perturbed. This example enforces the belief that he lived a calm and untroubled life. The diction provides the perception that Richard Cory is a content human being with no problems in his life. The mood is maintained as a tranquil atmosphere throughout the poem. It furthers the perception that nothing is wrong. The line "'Good- morning,' and he glittered when he walked" expresses the feeling that all is well and that he is content with his life. The mood created by the words "one calm summer night" creates an aura of peace which is then shattered by Richard Cory's suicide and reveals the underlying problems that were the true face of Richard