Edward Arlington Robinson's "Richard Cory" is a narrative
            poem that has an ironic perspective.  In this narrative, Richard Cory is submerged in
            the fastidious, and, as such, is perceived untruthfully by the people "on the
            pavement."  For they envision a kingly figure who is "imperially slim, "quietly
            arrayed," and polite--"and rich, yes richer than a king."  However, the exalted
            adjectives deceive both those who "curse the bread" and the reader.  For, ironically,
            Richard Cory leads "a life of quiet desperation" as Thoreau
            wrote.
While the economic depression of 1893 impoverished
            people, and they struggled to survive, Richard Cory--albeit wealthy--has his own
            personal demons with which he struggles.  His wealth has separated him so much from the
            ordinary people that he cannot converse with anyone.  When he smiles and says "Hello,"
            his greeting goes no further.  The terrible loneliness of Cory may be at the heart of
            this narrative poem by Edward Arlington Robinson.
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