Name:_________________________
Ms. Iacullo and Ms. Reid
English 9 CP
“Richard Cory” Handout
Warm Up: What is the difference between poverty and wealth? Think beyond one group having money and
the other not having it. Think about thoughtful topics that those in poverty or those who are wealthy might have
different experiences or opinions: family, hope, clothing, hard-work, dreams, and happiness.
The Poem: The following poem is about a man who acts in an unexpected way. Think about our essential
question (to what extent can we really know someone) as you read.
“Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Robinson
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.
Name:_________________________
Ms. Iacullo and Ms. Reid
English 9 CP
Comparing Texts: The poem purposely contains limited information; E. A. Robinson wanted readers to explore
possibilities instead of giving them the answer to the mystery behind his poem. Robinson's poems often have many
possible interpretations. Simon & Garfunkel, an American folk music duo, were intrigued by the poem and wrote a song
that adds more details about both Richard Cory and the poem's unseen narrator, but the mystery is still not answered. In
groups, you will compare the song and the poem to show how carefully-chosen details can be added without changing the
mystery of the poem.
“Richard Cory” Simon & Garfunkel
They say that Richard Cory owns one-half of this whole town
With political connections to spread his wealth around
Born into society, a banker’s only child
He had everything a man could want
Power, grace and style
But I work in his factory
And I curse the life I’m living
And I curse my poverty
And I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be
Richard Cory
The papers print his picture almost everywhere he goes
Richard Cory at the opera, Richard Cory at a show
And the rumor of his party and the orgies on his yacht!
Oh, he surely must be happy with everything he’s got
But I work in his factory
And I curse the life I’m living
And I curse my poverty
And I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be
Richard Cory
He freely gave to charity, he had the common touch
And they were grateful for his patronage and they thanked him very
much
So my mind was filled with wonder when the evening headlines read
“Richard Cory went home last night and put a bullet through his
head”
But I work in his factory
And I curse the life I’m living
And I curse my poverty
And I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be
Oh, I wish that I could be
Richard Cory
Name:_________________________
Ms. Iacullo and Ms. Reid
English 9 CP
Comparison Chart: With a partner, examine both the poem and the song for details about Richard Cory and the
narrator— list the facts in the appropriate box.
The Poem: “Richard Cory” by A.E. Robinson
The Song: “Richard Cory” by Simon &
Garfunkel
Facts the reader learns about Richard Cory
Additional facts the reader learns about Richard Cory
Facts the reader learns about the narrator
Additional facts the reader learns about the narrator
Analysis: How do the song’s added details influence your interpretation of the original poem?
Essential Question Connection: To what extent can the reader understand Richard Cory as a person? Why is this
important?