Analysis of Richard Cory

In both Edwin Arlington Robinson and Paul Simon's versions of the poem "Richard Cory" the author investigates the supposedly anonymous surfaces of life in a peculiar and rather cryptic manner. These men both describe through the use of one man, Richard Cory, and his experiences to view the contrast between those surfaces and the torture and torment that could lie beneath them. There is an equal premise in both poems; a wealthy man who is idolized and envied by those who consider themselves less fortunate, commits suicide. Although there are many comparisons between the two poems, there are slight differences in tone, meter, and the overall character of Richard Cory. In Robinson's poem, Richard Cory is described as a true gentleman, who was "quietly arrayed" and "always human when he talked." He never publicly displayed his wealth and believed even the poorest man deserved his politeness and respect. Robinson's word choice to describe Richard Cory such as the use of the phrases "sole to crown" and "imperially slim" categorizes and abandons Cory in an elevated class he loathed being associated with. Thus, Cory is seen as a regal figure that is unwillingly cast apart, torn away from society and his admiring subjects.