In the poem “Richard Cory,” Robinson consistently uses words and phrases that imply royal connotations. A connotation is defined as an implicit meaning contained in words, although not mentioned in the dictionary. For example, Richard meets other people when he goes “downtown” (1), which could be understood that he lowers himself to them from his royal pedestal. Also, Robinson places other people “on the pavement” (2), purposely separating them from Richard, as if he walks along his separate path. Richard is a “gentleman from sole to crown” (3); this phrase is used instead of more common “top to toe,” adding a glimpse of royalty to Richard’s image. He is also “imperially slim” (4); this expressive words’ combination increases Cory’s kingly vibe. While walking, Richard “glitters” (8); this metaphor depicts his general appearance, an embodiment of perfection, wealth, and royalty.
Further, after multiple examples of connotations, the author uses denotation. A direct statement that he was “richer than a king” (9) justifies people’s opinion about him. He seems ideal for evopinions, making them wish that they “were in his place” (12). All these add to the irony of the poem’s last line, which says that Richard “went home and put a bullet through his head” (16). Through this unexpected outcome that appears as a paradox considering Richard’s self-sufficiency in everything, the author reveals the poem’s meaning. A suicide committed by a person who had everything proves that happiness does not depend on wealth and that royal appearance does not necessarily express inner harmony and peace. The other people unsuccessfully “worked, and waited for the light” (13), dreaming of achieving Richard’s level of wealth that, presumably, would bring them the joy of life. At the same time, the person who appeared for them as an ideal, while having everything was not closer to happiness than they were.
Work Cited
Robinson, Edwin A. “Richard Cory.” Poetry Foundation, 2020. Web.