
The poem Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson stands out to the reader very strongly. Arlington uses multiple literary devices throughout the four stanzas in the poem. Arlington describes a town of people who admire a highly successful man named Richard Cory. Arlington uses a series of repetition, setting, imagery, contrast, irony and rhyme. He uses certain predictable word choices which is the opposite of Cory’s personality. Syntax is also used in the last lines of the last stanza that build up to a climax through the repetition of “and”. Richard Cory may look like he has it all on the outside but throughout the poem the reader catches a glimpse of how he really feels about himself. 

In the first stanza the reader is introduced to Richard Cory, the center of the poem. Richards reputation among the townspeople exploits his positive impression on them. In line three Arlington states; “he was a gentleman from sole to crown”. He is perceived through imagery as Arlington writes in line 4; “Clean favored and imperially slim”. Not only was Richard a gentleman but also clean cut and a representable face of the town. He walked the streets and people would stare and admire. He was compared to a king in everyone’s mind but his own. The entire poem is centered on the townspeople ideals of Richard. This gives the reader a reason to question why we don’t hear from Richard himself. Readers are left wondering why Richard does not talk about his glory and success. 

Stanza two starts with the word “and”, beginning the repetition that is used throughout the poem that leads to the ending. When Richard speaks he is still human and gets nervous. This confirms the perception of the townspeople believing he is the king. Line three and four:

“but still he fluttered pulses when he said,

“Good-morning, and he glittered when he walked” show us that Richard is not as confident as all the townspeople may think. Deep down Richard does not look at himself the same way the people admire him. He lacks self-confidence, and rather shy and nervous. Richard walks the streets unhappy and self-conscious. If Richard is not happy with himself then the opinions of the townspeople mean absolutely nothing.  

Stanza three also starts with “and”, continuing the repeating description of Richard. This repetition of the word “and” is important because we are constantly being inundated with information about how flawless Richard seems. Arlington writes about how people admire Richard so much that they wish they were him. He also states how Richard is “admirably schooled in every grace” (line 2). Richards wealth is also mentioned claiming that he must be everything and more. Readers may notice how they still do not hear anything from Richard himself. 

Stanza four develops very quickly starting with the townspeople continuing their hard work waiting for their time to shine. Struggling, the townspeople went about their lives. The concluding lines three and four: “And Richard Cory, one calm summer night.

Went home and put a bullet through his head.” Escalated very quickly the poem takes a tragic turn. Frequently the word “and” is used to show all of Richards great qualities. But it also adds suspicion to the reader because they know something is coming. If the reader really digs deep into the literary devices, they can see that something is missing in Richards life. Richard was missing happiness. This is made evident through the contrasting thoughts of the townspeople and himself. The suicide should not come as an entire shock but may be a bit extreme for many readers who did notice the literary devices and authors hints. 