"Richard Cory" is a poem written by Edwin Arlington Robinson that describes the life and sudden suicide of a wealthy, handsome, and gracious man named Richard Cory. The poem is written in first person, with the speaker being a member of the community who looks up to Cory and considers him to be almost perfect. However, the poem takes a shocking turn when Cory takes his own life, leaving the speaker and the community in shock and disbelief.
The poem begins with the speaker describing Cory as "quietly arrayed" and "humanly fair," emphasizing his physical attractiveness and refined appearance. The speaker also mentions that Cory was "imperially slim," suggesting that he was tall and slender, and that he had "quietly arrayed" himself, implying that he was meticulous in his appearance and demeanor.
In the next line, the speaker compares Cory to a knight, saying that he "fluttered pulses when he said," and that he "had a voice whose sound was like the sea." This comparison to a knight and the use of language like "fluttered pulses" and "like the sea" highlight Cory's charm and charisma, and suggest that he had a powerful presence that could sway and captivate others.
The speaker then goes on to describe how Cory was "humanly fair," and that "we thought he was everything / To make us wish that we were in his place." This line shows how the speaker and the community admired and envied Cory for his wealth, good looks, and graciousness. The speaker even goes so far as to say that Cory "quietly asked" for "nothing," implying that he was humble and unassuming, despite his many privileges.
However, the poem takes a sudden and tragic turn in the final lines, when the speaker reveals that Cory has taken his own life. The speaker is left in shock and disbelief, saying "Richard Cory, one calm summer night, / Went home and put a bullet through his head." The use of the phrase "one calm summer night" adds to the sense of surprise and shock, as it suggests that Cory's suicide was sudden and unexpected.
In the final lines, the speaker reflects on the fact that Cory had "imperially slim," and that he "quietly arrayed" himself, but that "Richard Cory, / [had] gone to the city." The repetition of these phrases emphasizes the contrast between Cory's outward appearance of refinement and grace and the inner turmoil that ultimately led him to take his own life.
Overall, "Richard Cory" is a thought-provoking poem that explores the idea that appearances can be deceiving. Despite being admired and envied by the speaker and the community for his wealth, good looks, and graciousness, Cory was ultimately unhappy and took his own life. The poem serves as a reminder to not judge others based on their outward appearances, and to consider the possibility that even those who seem to have it all may be struggling with their own inner turmoil.
