Risultati di ricerca
Richard Cory is a narrative poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson about a wealthy and admired man who commits suicide. The poem inspired several adaptations, such as songs by Simon & Garfunkel and The Menzingers, and a play by A. R. Gurney.
Richard Cory. Clean favored, and imperially slim. "Good-morning," and he glittered when he walked. To make us wish that we were in his place. Went home and put a bullet through his head. Poems, readings, poetry news and the entire 110-year archive of POETRY magazine.
- Summary
- Structure and Form
- Analysis, Stanza by Stanza
- About Edwin Arlington Robinson
‘Richard Cory’ tells the story of a wealthy and admired man who, despite his seemingly perfect life, unexpectedly commits suicide, highlighting the disparity between appearances and inner reality. The poem the life of a man who is greatly envied by the townspeople for his wealth, grace, and mannerisms. From the perspectiveof the community, Cory emb...
‘Richard Cory‘ is structured into four quatrains, with each stanza comprising four lines. This regular structure reinforces the poem’s steady, observational tone. The predictable form creates a sense of stability and routine, which starkly contrasts with the unexpected and shocking conclusion of Richard Cory’s suicide. The poem employs consistent i...
First Stanza
This is our introduction to the eponymous character, Richard Cory. He is held in great esteem by the townspeople. This is clear as he attracts their attention for they ‘looked at him’ and noted that “He was a gentleman from sole to crown’. The final line of this stanza suggests that he was a morally upright fellow, and the adjective ‘imperially’ implies that he carries a sense of grace and regality about his person.
Second Stanza
The repetition of ‘And he was always’ shows consistency and warmth of character. The fact that ‘he was always human’ indicates his sincerity. Despite his wealth and good looks, he talked to people without condescension or pretension. However, this does not stop him from causing a stir when he wishes them “Good Morning!” The exclamation mark suggests that he has a genuine pleasure in meeting others. The verb ‘glittered’ is ambiguous as it hints at both his sparkling personality, but in the lit...
Third Stanza
After suggesting that he came from a monied background, we are now informed that this was indeed the case, and the dashes in the line serve to emphasize the point. The assertion ‘yes’ and the comparative line ‘richer than a king’ snare the interest of the reader. We wonder how this man has made his fortune and picture some dashing Gatsby-like character. However, unlike Jay Gatsby who rose to wealth through illegal means such as gambling and bootlegging, Richard Cory appears to have acquired h...
Edwin Arlington Robinson, (1869-1935) was a Pulitzer Prize-winning poet who was also nominated for the Nobel Prize for literature. He was born in Maine but had an unhappy childhood since his parents seemed largely indifferent to him. His siblings went on to suffer great hardship through addiction to alcohol and drugs, and Robinson’s poetry often dw...
- Female
- English And French Teacher
"Richard Cory" first appeared in the American poet Edwin Arlington Robinson's 1897 collection, The Children of the Night. In four brisk stanzas, "Richard Cory" tells the story of a wealthy man who often strolls the streets of a poverty-stricken town whose residents all envy his seeming glory.
9 lug 2024 · “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.
31 mag 2023 · A classic poem about a wealthy and respected man who commits suicide, leaving his admirers puzzled and sad. Read the full text, analysis and context of this American masterpiece.
A poem about a wealthy and respected man who commits suicide, contrasting his outward appearance with his inner loneliness and despair. The poem uses irony, rhyme, and imagery to explore the flaws of the American Dream and the human condition.
