An Ending with a Twist in Richard Cory, a Poem by Edwin A. Robinson

On the Topic of “Richard Cory”

It is said that poetry is an art form, and as with any other art form, the observer must take time to analyze the work’s meaning. This is certainly true for Edwin A. Robinson’s “Richard Cory”. At face value, this poem may appear to be only a simple rhyme created for shock value, due to its surprising ending. However, upon further investigation, the piece actually has a great deal to say. One key interpretation of “Richard Cory” is an identifiable criticism of a society which meters happiness by material, shallow, and (avoidably) harmful means.

Over history, many have said “money can’t buy happiness.” Edwin Robinson can be counted among these, as “Richard Cory” clearly shows its eponymous character’s unhappiness, despite his apparent good fortune. “Richer than a king,” societal belief would paint Cory as invariably exultant, or at the very least, content. However, as evidenced by his “[going] home and [putting] a bullet through his head,” this ignorant conclusion couldn’t be farther from the truth.

While this suicide may seem extreme, and indeed it is, it is expertly incorporated to show the most drastic disparity to the initially shining portrayal of Cory.

Assuming that affluence automatically carries contentment with it is not only misguided, but harmful to the people of Cory’s town. Instead of appreciating what little they did have, they “went without the meat, and cursed the bread,” thus making themselves miserable. Their jealousy, stemmed from their flawed perception of what happiness is, makes them have an appetite for a life they cannot afford, and one which, once again, might not even satisfy anyway This is an area where Robinson’s criticism becomes opaque.

Get quality help now

Sweet V

Verified

Proficient in: Richard Cory

4.9 (984)

“ Ok, let me say I’m extremely satisfy with the result while it was a last minute thing. I really enjoy the effort put in. ”

+84 relevant experts are online

Hire writer

He condemns an economy and social structure in which a person’s value and joy is measured by their position as a consumer, and how people lose respect and pride for themselves and instead wish to become someone they’re not (“…he was everything – To make us wish that we were in his place”). One cannot ever be content if they’re perpetually “[waiting] for the light”.

In spite of Cory’s reputation, he was obviously melancholy, and for a number of reasons. In addition to possessing a lofty societal position and regal air, Richard Cory appeared to the townspeople to be a kindly and contented person; as the narrator recalls, Cory “was always human when he talked.” However, it appears that this friendly exterior was but a facade, covering up the true feelings of a miserable individual. Perhaps Cory himself could be blamed for never displaying his true dissatisfaction, but from the evidence in the poem, it can be concluded that none of the townsfolk ever reached out to get to know him. Instead of treating him like a real person, society simply made false assumptions and idolizations of him. Edward Robinson’s critical eye can be seen once again making a pass. He objects to a culture in which people who simply appear happy are never spoken to or helped. Perhaps if even one individual would have befriended Cory, they could have seen past his veneer and aided the tortured soul within. It could be argued that Cory’s internal depression was even created by feelings that he didn’t live up to society’s glowing portrait of him, or by his exhaustion from being treated like a god when he was only another man.

If it is true that not all that glitters is gold, maybe someone ought to tell the glitter. In the poem, Robinson criticizes not only those who place exaltation upon those materially well endowed, but upon those well-endowed individuals themselves. This may seem an extraneous point initially, but it is actually quite insightful. Had Richard Cory made any attempt to convey to the public his unhappiness, perhaps he might have released some air from the balloon of adulation they had inflated for him before it burst. Rather, “he was always quietly arrayed,” and made no effort to dethrone himself from the social rank he was obviously frustrated with. It is in this way Robinson suggests the faulty definition of happiness is preventable. Perchance if Cory had publicly voiced his imperfections, he may have not only taken pressure off himself, but the people, to be the mystical being he was thought to be. He could have lived a more casual, relaxed life, and the commoners could have realized that his wealth didn’t bring happiness, and that they ought to better appreciate what they had.

Robinson’s grasp of his medium, as with many poets’, cannot be realized until one delves into his work to really discover all he has to say. However, after one takes the time to do so, is becomes apparent than poets have quite an insight, and a lot of opinion, packed into their rhythmic, regimented works. “Richard Cory” is no different, and it holds multiple, layered messages. It is perceptible, however, that Edwin A. Robinson found the common cultural definition of happiness to be one wrought with shallowness and preventable fault.