Work and Identity Reflection

“Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson Instructor’s Note: This is another Robinson poem that gives us the perspective of the common working family, as it reflects on the fate of Richard Corey, a well-respected, wealthy man. These portraits of individuals coincide with the consideration of poets and writers of the daily working lives of people from different walks of life. While we have focused on the struggles of the common worker, this poem hints at turmoil that might exist for those who seem to have it all.

Whenever Richard Cory went down town, We people on the pavement looked at him: He was a gentleman from sole to crown, Clean favored, and imperially slim.

And he was always quietly arrayed, 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 fine, 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.