“Richard Cory” is a story told by a narrator by the name of Edwin Arlington Robinson. The narrator speaks for the rest of the poor in the town when he claims that “we people on the pavement looked at him” and “we thought that he was everything.” In the first three stanzas, the narrator praises Richard Cory, painting him as a “gentlemen from sole to crown” who “glittered when he walked.” The rich, popular, and refined Cory is envied by those around him for seemingly having all that life has to offer. The fourth stanza, however, takes a tragic turn and ends with Cory's suicide: “And Richard Cory, one calm summer night / Went home and put a bullet through his head.” There are no clues given in the poem as to why Cory commits suicide.

Judging by the poem, the story is told from that of one of the townspeople. This can be shown by looking at the second line of the poem where it states, "we people on the pavement looked at him". This person seemed to be confused as to why a man held in such high regard with so many possessions would take his life. He seems to be confused that a man everyone wanted to be like, would commit suicide. It just comes to show that even with all the wealth that someone may …show more content…
Robinson says that Cory was “richer than a king” and “he glittered when he walked.” These statements are not literal, but they create an image of nobility and privilege. Richard Cory is a representation of wealth, status and privilege. The entire poem, before the last line, displays a tone of admiration and respect. The poorer, lower class townspeople respect and admire Richard Cory. They look up to him, literally and figuratively. They want to be just like him. This build-up of Richard Cory’s character allows the last line to have a huge impact. The impact and irony of the last lines are used to emphasize Robinson’s point that looks can be deceiving and to give the poem an unexpected tone in the