"Richard Cory" is a poem written by Edwin Arlington Robinson that describes the life and unexpected suicide of a wealthy, handsome, and gracious man named Richard Cory. The poem is written in the form of a narrative, with the speaker presenting a series of observations about Cory's character and actions.
Throughout the poem, the speaker presents Cory as a nearly perfect individual. He is described as "quietly arrayed" and "humanly fair," and is admired by those around him for his intelligence, good looks, and gracious manner. Despite his wealth and social status, Cory is also depicted as humble and generous, often going out of his way to help those in need.
However, despite all of these positive qualities, Cory ultimately takes his own life, leaving those around him shocked and saddened by his sudden and unexpected death. The final lines of the poem reveal the reason for Cory's suicide: "Richard Cory, one calm summer night, / Went home and put a bullet through his head."
The poem's final lines serve as a poignant reminder that no matter how perfect someone may seem on the surface, it is impossible to truly know what is going on in their mind or what struggles they may be facing. The poem also suggests that wealth and social status do not necessarily bring happiness or fulfillment.
In terms of literary analysis, "Richard Cory" can be seen as an example of the "unreliable narrator" trope, as the speaker presents a seemingly objective view of Cory's life, but ultimately reveals that they did not truly know him or understand the depths of his pain. The poem also employs a number of literary devices, including alliteration, personification, and repetition, to further convey the speaker's admiration for Cory and the shock of his suicide.
Overall, "Richard Cory" is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that serves as a reminder of the complexities of the human experience and the dangers of judging others based on appearances.