Richard Cory

Unseen Sorrow In writing the poem “Richard Cory” author Edwin Arlington Robinson created a visually and conceptually clean and pleasant piece of literature that exemplified various literary elements, including, narrative, style, imagery, and tone. By bringing these elements together so graciously, he created a captivating story that emphasizes irony and that the jealousy and envy held against someone is not always justified. What is seen from afar does not define what could be hidden on the inside. By utilizing multiple literary devices Edwin Arlington Robinson produced the wonderful, yet ironically poised and ominous work of “Richard Cory”.
Edwin Arlington Robinson wisely chose to narrate “Richard Cory” through third person. For example,

The organization of the words and the rhyming scheme was great and helped the put an emphasis on key words. The word choice was superb as well. Though the wording was simple, they were also complex. The author provided so much detail within the lines of the poem without being too verbose. “He was a gentleman from sole to crown, Clean favored and imperially slim.” (Perkins, 84) The aforementioned lines describe a man that is immaculate in every form of the word from head to toe, so much so that he could be considered royalty, but it put simply and graciously. The narrator put Richard Cory on such a pedestal enhanced his existence that much more and helped build up to what conclusion as well.
The author’s style and word choice also lead to rich imagery. The word choice endorsed readers to image Richard Cory and those that surrounded him. “And he was rich—yes, richer than a king—And admirably schooled in every grace: In fine, we thought that he was everything To make us wish that we were in his place.” (Perkins, 84). This shows that audience how sophisticated and refined Richard Cory was and that those around him weren’t. Lacking many the many things he had and was, secretly coveting