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Tasks: Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson

A painting of Edwin Arlington Robinson. He's wearing a grey suit and a tie. He's looking straight at the painter with a serious look on his face and he's holding a cigar in his hand.
American poet Edwin Arlington Robinson. Image: Lilla Cabot Perry / Public domain

Discuss:

  1. In what way is the poem a comment on the classic American success story and the American Dream?

  2. Does the expression “We people” ring a bell? Who are 'we'?

  3. Robinson describes Richard Cory as someone who is high above ordinary people. What literary devices does he use to achieve this? Explain with examples.

  4. The word 'and' is repeated six times in the beginning of sentences. What is the effect of this repetition? How does it help build a mental image of Cory?

  5. The last line of the poem is interesting. What is the tone of the poem until the final line? How does the tone change at the end? And what feelings are you, as the reader, left with?

  6. How is irony used in the poem?

  7. What would you say is the theme of the poem?

  8. This poem was published in 1897. Is it still relevant in today's society? Explain.

Compare:

  1. In 1966, the American pop duo Simon and Garfunkel made their own version of 'Richard Cory'. Follow the link below and read the lyrics of the song, then compare the song with the original poem. Have they added to or removed anything from the poem? Have they managed to preserve the essence of the poem?

  2. The poem 'Success' by Bessie Anderson Stanley touches on the same topic as the poem 'Richard Cory'. Read both poems and compare:

  • What is the theme and message of the two poems?

  • Do the two poems focus on the same things?

  • How do they differ in style and form?

  • Does one poem express its message clearer than the other?

'Success' by Bessie Anderson Stanley

Success

What is success?
To laugh often and much;
to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;
to appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others;
to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition;
to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.
This is to have succeeded!

Write:

  1. What constitutes a good life? Write a personal text where you discuss what you believe you should do in order to feel content at the end of your life.

  2. Use the poem as inspiration for a short story called 'The Bitter Taste of Success'.

  3. Is the American Dream dead? Write an expository text where you look at the background of the American Dream, how the Dream has changed, and whether or not it is still alive today.

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