"Richard Cory" is a poem written by Edwin Arlington Robinson that tells the story of a wealthy, handsome, and gracious man named Richard Cory who is admired by those in his community. Despite his outer appearances, however, Cory is unhappy and eventually takes his own life, revealing that he was not as perfect as he seemed.
The poem is written in four stanzas, with each stanza containing four lines of rhyming couplets. The rhyme scheme follows the pattern of ABAB, which helps to create a sense of balance and order in the poem.
The first stanza introduces the reader to Cory, describing him as "quietly arrayed," "humanly fair," and "imperially slim." He is portrayed as a man of great refinement and elegance, and the speaker of the poem notes that "we thought that he was everything / To make us wish that we were in his place." The speaker and the rest of the community are envious of Cory's wealth, good looks, and seemingly perfect life.
The second stanza delves deeper into Cory's character, describing him as "quietly arrayed," "humanly fair," and "imperially slim." The speaker notes that Cory was always "humanly fair," meaning that he was kind and gracious to everyone he encountered. He was also "quietly arrayed," meaning that he dressed in a manner that was understated and refined, rather than flashy or ostentatious. Finally, Cory is described as being "imperially slim," suggesting that he was tall and slender, and carried himself with an air of royal dignity.
The third stanza of the poem begins to reveal cracks in Cory's perfect façade. The speaker notes that, despite his wealth and refinement, Cory "fluttered pulses when he said, / 'Good-morning,' and he glittered when he walked." This suggests that Cory was aware of the effect he had on others and may have been using his charms and good looks to manipulate those around him.
The final stanza of the poem is a shocking twist, as the speaker reveals that Cory took his own life one night, "imperially slim," "quietly arrayed," and "humanly fair." This revelation comes as a shock to the speaker and the rest of the community, as they had always believed Cory to be a perfect man with a perfect life.
In conclusion, "Richard Cory" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that explores the dangers of judging someone solely by their outward appearances. Cory's suicide serves as a reminder that wealth, good looks, and charm do not necessarily guarantee happiness or fulfillment in life.