Compare And Contrast Cheevy And Richard Cory

Throughout history, the human mind and body has been studied repeatedly. Through these studies, there have been both positive and negative findings pertaining to human emotions. Human emotions are an intricate and fundamental part of who we are, and they have a significant impact on how we experience the world, think, and act. Human psychology places a high value on understanding emotions and how they are expressed since it helps us understand both ourselves and others. Actions that bring about a plethora of emotions are the acts of isolation by the mind, body, and spirit. In the texts “Miniver Cheevy” and “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson, there are contrasting themes of imposed and self-imposed isolation. Furthermore, “The Minister’s

Nathaniel Hawthorne writes, “Such was the effect of this simple piece of crape, that more than one woman of delicate nerves was forced to leave the meeting-house. (Hawthorne 3)” Mr. Hooper begins to experience a sense of being cut off or separated from a group or community due to his veil. Discrepancies in beliefs or values, and unfavorable experiences within his community all contributed to this. Even as the minister neared his time of death, he still donned the black veil, thus repelling any connection between himself and those around him. Isolation can have a detrimental effect on mental health by causing emotions of loneliness and low

Within the poem “Richard Cory,” it is depicted that Richard was a well-known entity within his community. The author writes, “And he was rich–yes, richer than a king–and admirably schooled in every grace… (line 9-10)” The poem depicts how people in Richard Cory's neighborhood saw him from the outside as a successful and attractive man. The poem, however, indicates that he is genuinely tormented by emotions of inadequacy and dissatisfaction, despite his outward appearance of prosperity and contentment. In contrast to this self-imposed isolation, the poem “Miniver Cheevy,” which is written by the same author, explores the topic of the futility of regret via the perspective of Miniver, an inebriated and cynical figure. The poem mocks nostalgia and suggests that the present is just as good as the past by using irony and sarcasm. Edwin Arlington Robinson writes, “Miniver scorned the gold he sought, but sore annoyed was he without it… (line 25-26)” With this information, Miniver is displaying acts of self-sabotage. The monotonous repetition of his contradictory mindset towards his desires depicts the act of miniver distancing or isolating himself from a content state of mind. With that being said, both characters are familiar with the effects of