Richard Cory Irony

Being desirous of someone can be described as someone that craves what another person has. The craving of Richard Cory’s richness is shown throughout the poem, but ultimately shows that money does not buy happiness. The story of Richard Cory contains symbolism mainly involving irony. While the townspeople saw Richard as a happy, wealthy man, he undoubtedly turns to suicide. Why are people jealous of this man that is secretly miserable behind closed doors? Why did this rich man turn to suicide while many others were wishing for his “perfect life”?
Economic inequality is an obvious problem throughout this era of time. Although Richard is a nice, polite man, there is no possibility of the townspeople interacting as friends with someone so economically

“And he was rich-yes, richer than a king…” (Robinson 851). Richard may have been rich, but was he happy? Everyone in town wished to be this man that “glittered when he walked” (Robinson 851). Mr. Cory had money, but he still committed suicide. We don’t know the feelings and emotions that were bottled up inside Richard. We know that his life was desired by many, but we also know that his life was miserable enough for him to end it with one single bullet. Appearances can be misleading. You can view someone as impeccable, but they may very well be depressed beyond belief. The poem provides us with the fact that it was a “calm summer night” when Richard put a bullet through his head. To the town, the night may have seemed calm. Although, the night was not calm and bright enough for Richard. Conclusively, he was full of distress. Sorrow contaminated his mind. The madness overran his heart so much that he could not bear it any longer. We are introduced to a man that is perceived to be rich and powerful. While our perspective of Richard is that he’s successful and better off than anyone in town, it eventually boils down to a bloody evening. Situational irony appears when the opposite of what is expected, appears to be true. We are given the state of Mr. Cory by his townsmen. Therefore, his appearance suggested a happy life for him. Yet, we never get to experience Richard through the eyes of people beyond the town. Was