Figurative Language In Richard Cory
Edwin Arlington Robinson uses types of figurative language, such as similes, hyperboles, and word choice to impart a message in the narrative poem, “Richard Cory”. In order to provide a mental picture, figurative language is used, creating an impact that goes beyond literal language. The people of the town, who are of lower class, look up to Richard Cory and want to be exactly like him. However, they have a change of heart once Richard kills himself, showing the townspeople some things can’t be bought and that wealth and fame don’t ensure happiness. In “Richard Cory” hyperbole is used when Robinson writes, “But still he fluttered pulses when he said,/ “Good-morning,” and he glittered when he walked” (7-8). Obviously pulses would not actually
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The language employed demonstrates this such as, “crown,/ clean favored, and imperially slim” (3-4). This tone is continued throughout the poem. The fact of Richard Cory being wealthy creates a perception that he is better than everyone else. With this tone, being rich or wealthy translates to being superior, instead of simply different. The last stanza mostly creates justification for the tone when Robinson writes, “...we worked...waited for light,/ And went without the mean, and cursed the bread;” (13-14). The speaker indicates the struggle in daily existence for those lacking wealth. However, the last line changes everything and helps to undermine the tone. An Attitude shift is apparent when Robinson writes, “And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,/ Went home and put a bullet through his head” (15-16). Robinson has had an upbeat tone with a rhyme scheme throughout the poem, which made the ironic ending even more of a shock to the reader. This last line raises issues that the perception of individuals could be vastly different than the reality. Robinson uses similes, hyperboles, and descriptive word choice in his narrative, “Richard Cory” in order to convey the importance of how interpreting the life of someone can often lead to wrongful judgment when using superficial evidence. In Richard Cory’s case everyone assumed he was happy, but one’s conception of people is often blinded by wealth and
The language employed demonstrates this such as, “crown,/ clean favored, and imperially slim” (3-4). This tone is continued throughout the poem. The fact of Richard Cory being wealthy creates a perception that he is better than everyone else. With this tone, being rich or wealthy translates to being superior, instead of simply different. The last stanza mostly creates justification for the tone when Robinson writes, “...we worked...waited for light,/ And went without the mean, and cursed the bread;” (13-14). The speaker indicates the struggle in daily existence for those lacking wealth. However, the last line changes everything and helps to undermine the tone. An Attitude shift is apparent when Robinson writes, “And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,/ Went home and put a bullet through his head” (15-16). Robinson has had an upbeat tone with a rhyme scheme throughout the poem, which made the ironic ending even more of a shock to the reader. This last line raises issues that the perception of individuals could be vastly different than the reality. Robinson uses similes, hyperboles, and descriptive word choice in his narrative, “Richard Cory” in order to convey the importance of how interpreting the life of someone can often lead to wrongful judgment when using superficial evidence. In Richard Cory’s case everyone assumed he was happy, but one’s conception of people is often blinded by wealth and