The Critique of Social Class

Oct 13, 2025 by leolavanderia.com.br 75 views

Introduction

"Richard Cory" is a poem written by Edwin Arlington Robinson, first published in 1897. The poem is a masterpiece of American literature, known for its simplicity, yet profound depth. It tells the story of a wealthy and respected man, Richard Cory, who one day decides to end his life. The poem has been interpreted in various ways, and two prominent themes that emerge from its narrative are the Illusion of Happiness and the Critique of Social Class.

The Illusion of Happiness

The poem begins with the lines:

"He was a gentleman from one of the old families Of a _lineage_ that went far back Into the country's day when _rags_ were _riches_"

These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem, introducing Richard Cory as a member of the upper class, with a long history of wealth and privilege. However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that Richard Cory's life is not as perfect as it seems. The speaker describes him as a man who "was always _quiet_ and _kind," but also notes that "he was always _yielding to his friends."

This portrayal of Richard Cory as a yielding person suggests that he may be insecure or unsure of himself, despite his outward appearance of confidence and happiness. The speaker also notes that Richard Cory "was always _dressed_ in the latest fashion," implying that he is trying to keep up with the latest trends and maintain a certain image.

The poem's final lines, "So on we worked, and waited for the light, / And went without the meat, and cursed the bread, / And we worked without the wages we were promised, / While Richard Cory sat in his mansion, dead," suggest that Richard Cory's life was not as happy as it seemed. In fact, his life was marked by emptiness and disconnection from the world around him.

The illusion of happiness is a theme that is central to the poem. Richard Cory's life appears to be perfect on the surface, but beneath the surface, he is struggling with feelings of insecurity and disconnection. This theme speaks to the idea that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness, and that even those who appear to have it all may be struggling with their own personal demons.

The Critique of Social Class

The poem also critiques the social class system of the time. Richard Cory is portrayed as a member of the upper class, with a long history of wealth and privilege. However, the speaker notes that he is "always yielding to his friends," suggesting that he may be insecure or unsure of himself.

The poem also highlights the class divisions of the time. The speaker notes that "we worked without the wages we were promised, / While Richard Cory sat in his mansion, dead." This line suggests that the working class is struggling to make ends meet, while the wealthy elite are living in luxury.

The poem's critique of social class is a powerful commentary on the inequality of the time. It highlights the class divisions that exist between the wealthy and the poor, and suggests that these divisions are not just economic, but also social and cultural.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the poem "Richard Cory" by Edwin Arlington Robinson is a powerful commentary on the illusion of happiness and the critique of social class. The poem's portrayal of Richard Cory as a member of the upper class who is struggling with feelings of insecurity and disconnection speaks to the idea that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness. The poem's critique of social class highlights the class divisions of the time, and suggests that these divisions are not just economic, but also social and cultural.

The Significance of "Richard Cory"

"Richard Cory" is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of illusion of happiness and critique of social class are just as relevant today as they were when the poem was first published. The poem's portrayal of Richard Cory as a member of the upper class who is struggling with feelings of insecurity and disconnection speaks to the idea that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness.

The poem's critique of social class highlights the class divisions that exist between the wealthy and the poor, and suggests that these divisions are not just economic, but also social and cultural. The poem's themes and messages are a powerful reminder of the importance of social justice and equality.

The Legacy of "Richard Cory"

"Richard Cory" has had a lasting impact on American literature. The poem's themes and messages have influenced generations of writers and artists, and continue to resonate with readers today. The poem's portrayal of Richard Cory as a member of the upper class who is struggling with feelings of insecurity and disconnection speaks to the idea that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness.

The Enduring Appeal of "Richard Cory"

"Richard Cory" is a poem that continues to captivate readers with its timeless themes and universal messages. The poem's portrayal of Richard Cory as a member of the upper class who is struggling with feelings of insecurity and disconnection speaks to the idea that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness.

The Final Thoughts

In conclusion, "Richard Cory" is a poem that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of illusion of happiness and critique of social class are just as relevant today as they were when the poem was first published. The poem's portrayal of Richard Cory as a member of the upper class who is struggling with feelings of insecurity and disconnection speaks to the idea that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness.

Q: What is the main theme of the poem "Richard Cory"?

A: The main theme of the poem "Richard Cory" is the illusion of happiness and the critique of social class. The poem explores the idea that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness, and that even those who appear to have it all may be struggling with their own personal demons.

Q: Who is Richard Cory, and what is his significance in the poem?

A: Richard Cory is the main character of the poem, a wealthy and respected man who is portrayed as a member of the upper class. He is significant in the poem because he represents the illusion of happiness and the critique of social class. Through his character, the poem highlights the class divisions that exist between the wealthy and the poor, and suggests that these divisions are not just economic, but also social and cultural.

Q: What is the significance of the line "So on we worked, and waited for the light, / And went without the meat, and cursed the bread, / And we worked without the wages we were promised, / While Richard Cory sat in his mansion, dead"?

A: The line "So on we worked, and waited for the light, / And went without the meat, and cursed the bread, / And we worked without the wages we were promised, / While Richard Cory sat in his mansion, dead" is significant because it highlights the class divisions that exist between the wealthy and the poor. The line suggests that the working class is struggling to make ends meet, while the wealthy elite are living in luxury.

Q: What is the message of the poem "Richard Cory"?

A: The message of the poem "Richard Cory" is that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness, and that even those who appear to have it all may be struggling with their own personal demons. The poem also highlights the class divisions that exist between the wealthy and the poor, and suggests that these divisions are not just economic, but also social and cultural.

Q: How does the poem "Richard Cory" relate to contemporary society?

A: The poem "Richard Cory" relates to contemporary society in several ways. The poem's themes of illusion of happiness and critique of social class are just as relevant today as they were when the poem was first published. The poem's portrayal of Richard Cory as a member of the upper class who is struggling with feelings of insecurity and disconnection speaks to the idea that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness.

Q: What is the significance of the poem "Richard Cory" in the context of American literature?

A: The poem "Richard Cory" is significant in the context of American literature because it is a powerful commentary on the class divisions that exist between the wealthy and the poor. The poem's themes of illusion of happiness and critique of social class are just as relevant today as they were when the poem was first published.

Q: How can readers interpret the poem "Richard Cory" in a way that is relevant to their own lives?

A: Readers can interpret the poem "Richard Cory" in a way that is relevant to their own lives by considering the class divisions that exist between the wealthy and the poor. The poem's themes of illusion of happiness and critique of social class are just as relevant today as they were when the poem was first published.

Q: What is the final message of the poem "Richard Cory"?

A: The final message of the poem "Richard Cory" is that wealth and privilege are not necessarily the keys to happiness, and that even those who appear to have it all may be struggling with their own personal demons. The poem also highlights the class divisions that exist between the wealthy and the poor, and suggests that these divisions are not just economic, but also social and cultural.