Edward Arlington Robinson's poem, "Richard Cory", communicates different themes regarding human nature and concerns. Although the poem was published in 1897, the ideas revealed throughout the narrative transcend time and space, and prove to be relevant today as is speaks the truth about characteristics of the human condition which are universally applicable. The poem follows a simple narrative pattern, which covers the unfolding of the story of a wealthy and powerful man named "Richard Cory", from the perspective of the less successful, lower class people of the society who don't know him well, but admire him from afar. The main character is described in admiring detail, and depicted as an individual who is idolized and envied by others who consider themselves less fortunate. He seemed to have everything; apparently, that is what others believed until the end of the poem, where he takes his own life. Robinson’s “Richard Cory” portrays three main themes which are universal.
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The narrator exaggerates when describing Cory’s wealth when he says that he was “richer than a king”. This remark represents an image of great wealth and nobility. He also adds that Richard Cory “glittered when he walked”, which implies that the man wore bright, shiny jewelry made of gold, such as a wrist watch, which also support the idea of the character’s status. However, such remarks become ironic in the light of the fact that Richard Cory shots himself to death, showing the townspeople that wealth and status do not by themselves ensure happiness. The death of Cory proves that none of what he had made his personal life joyful and satisfying, which suggest that wealth, nobility, or status are not direct indicators of happiness. It also supports the idea that there exists a broader picture of personal happiness and fulfillment which cannot be addressed by material
The narrator exaggerates when describing Cory’s wealth when he says that he was “richer than a king”. This remark represents an image of great wealth and nobility. He also adds that Richard Cory “glittered when he walked”, which implies that the man wore bright, shiny jewelry made of gold, such as a wrist watch, which also support the idea of the character’s status. However, such remarks become ironic in the light of the fact that Richard Cory shots himself to death, showing the townspeople that wealth and status do not by themselves ensure happiness. The death of Cory proves that none of what he had made his personal life joyful and satisfying, which suggest that wealth, nobility, or status are not direct indicators of happiness. It also supports the idea that there exists a broader picture of personal happiness and fulfillment which cannot be addressed by material