an analysis of richard cory
A well written poem may be read numerous times without losing its freshness because each word has been carefully chosen for both its literal and implied meanings. No words are included that do not add extra dimensions to the meaning of the poem. By critically examing the poem "Richard Cory", we can see that the poet, Edwin Arlington Robinson, has used effective diction to create a contrast which focuses reader attention on one aspect of human behavior: appearances do not always reflect a true picture of man's
------------------------------------------------------------------------**Bibliography**. This description of Richard Cory suggests an imposing, highborn personage. Both examples serve to amplify Cory's greatness compared to other people's lowliness. By contrast, we "people on the pavement" continue to work and wait for the "light" that will perhaps, somehow, explain our fate. The poet also uses overstatement and understatement to reinforce the ironic contrast of the poem. OTher usages that help to set Richard Cory apart from us are "clean favored", "quietly arrayed", "admirably schooled", and "glittered when he walked". The name "Cory" rhymes with "glory" and subtly blends with "crown", "imperially", and "gentlemen" to imply nobility. The poet chooses words that highlight the contrast between Richard Cory (upper class) and us (lower classes). First, the "Richard" can be associated with English kings. The contrast between Richard Cory (or what he seems to be) and the speaker helps to build the reader's anticipation for the surprising, ironic ending. The outward apperance often does not reflect the inner reality of a man's life. The reader is shocked into contemplation: why does a man so admired and so rich "put a bullet through his head"? The answer is that there is no answer, at least not one that we will ever know. The first example overstates his wealth by compairing it to a king's. Two examples of hyperbole and understatement, respectively, are "richer that a king", and "he was always human when he talked".
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