Answer for: Richard Cory (Edwin Arlington Robinson) [possible link: Richard in Emily] Whenever Richard Cory went

down town, We people on the pavement looked at him: He was a gentleman from sole to crown, Clean favored1, and imperially2 slim. And he was always quietly arrayed3, And he was always human when he talked; But still he fluttered pulses when he said, Good-morning, and he glittered when he walked. And he was rich yes, richer than a king And admirably schooled in every grace: In fine4, we thought that he was everything To make us wish that we were in his place. So on we worked and waited for the light, And went without the meat, and cursed the bread; And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head.

Discussion Points: A Read the 1st stanza Who is we in this poem? And who is Richard Cory? Richard Cory is a gentleman a rich man. We would refer to common people or perhaps people who are poor (We people on the pavement) What is the effect of looking at Richard Cory from sole to crown? It is to create the idea that Richard Cory is being admired. He is admired bottom up to give the impression that he is being looked up to. The common folks are so poor/ depressed that they are sitting by the pavement looking down until Richard Cory walked past them and their attention is caught by his shoes and they turn their heads up to envy the rich man who walked past them.

1 2

Having a pleasant appearance regally or like an emperor 3 attired or dressed 4 in conclusion

B Read the 2nd & 3rd stanzas. What is the effect Richard has on the people? He leaves a good impression on others. Despite his wealth (ricer than king) and his good education (schooled in every grace), he is not a show-offish peacock who flaunts his status (quietly arrayed). His demeanour is also fitting that of a gentleman as he speaks well and perhaps talks to them in a non-superior manner (always human when he talks). He even greets them. The people positively loves him for he is able to flutter pulses and has no airs about him. He is their goal to reach (he was everything/ to make us wish that we were in his place). C Read the 4th stanza. What do you understand by the line: So on we worked and waited for the light. It means the people continued to work and waited for their time to be rich (light). What Richard Cory did to himself is quite clear. However, the way it is mentioned in the poem is rather under-stated. What is the effect it has on you? It is quite shocking because there is no hint of what might come. It is not an expected outcome. It does also give the sense that Richard Cory is just another man on the street with his set of problems though it may not seem obvious to those around him. His under-stated death reflects his commonness. What is a possible message (theme) of this poem? Possible answers: - Life is not what it seems. - The rich is not always happy. - Do not judge a book by its cover. D Do you aspire to be like Richard Cory? Why or why not? How accurate is this poem as an example of what happens to the rich and famous? Open to discussion.