An Interpretation of Richard Cory, a Poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson

The poem “Richard Cory” explores the disconnection between outward appearance and inner feelings. It also addresses what does not really make people happy and role models.

In the poem, Richard Cory is a gentleman who everyone looked up to. He was handsome, rich, and well educated. Everyone in town wanted to be like Richard Cory but then one summer night Richard killed himself. Richard’s suicide shows the disconnection between his outward appearance and his inner felling. He talked normally to people and was quietly arrayed; he probably acted like he was happy.

Richard had a lot of money and had attended a highly admired school.

Everyone thought he had everything. Despite all this, he was depressed enough to take his own life. He acted like everything was fine but he really wanted to kill himself. I think in the poem Edwin Robinson wanted to show that often people put on facades and hide their true feelings. People want everyone else to think they are fine but I think this is a problem.

We were not made to go through life alone and we need to depend on others for support.

“Richard Cory” also shows material possessions do not bring people happiness. Richard had money and education but he was not happy and wanted to kill himself. Material possessions mean nothing if one has no joy. Personally I value life satisfaction over material goods or appearances and believe people should pursue what bring them joy instead of temporary material goods.

The poem also show people often look up to the wrong person.

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Everyone in the town in the poem wanted to be like Richard and wished to be in his place not realizing Richard was miserable and meant to take his own life. People of course would not have admired Richard if they knew this but they look to someone who could show them how to be materially successful, not happy and joyous.