Theory question 111
Non-African PoetryLiterature 2, Section D: Non-African Poetry
Give a detailed account of the poem Richard Cory, bring out the irony.
Show the model answer
Model answer
Poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson.
Townspeople admire Richard Cory: a gentleman, 'richer than a king', graceful, polite.
They are poor, working, waiting for the light, envious of him.
Last lines: he goes home one calm summer night and shoots himself.
Irony: the man everyone envied was unhappy; outward appearance hides inner despair.
Message: wealth does not guarantee happiness.
Explanation
Summarise the poem and explain the ending's irony.