Student Essay on Richard Cory

Richard Cory by Edwin Arlington Robinson

Essay

In the poem, "Richard Cory," Edwin Arlington Robinson uses denotation and connotation of words to stress the fact that Richard Cory is rich. Denotation is the dictionary definition of a word or the word's exact meaning. Connotation is the suggested definition of a word. One word uses for its denotation and connotation is "crown." Robinson wrote, " He was a gentlemen from soul to crown...." Denotatively crown means the top or highest part of Richard Cory's head. Connotatively crown suggests Richard Cory was similar to a wealthy and rich king because the author uses crown to signify a king's crown and wealth.

Another word used this way is "glittered." Robinson wrote, "But still he fluttered pulses when he said, "Good morning," and he glittered when he walked." Denotatively glittered means sparkling or glistening light. Connotatively glittered signifies Richard's jewelry he may have worn as he walked. By using this word Robinson shows that Richard Cory may have wore expensive, gold jewelry only wealthy people could afford.

"Imperially" is another word used in the poem for its denotation and connotation. Robinson wrote, "He was a gentlemen from soul to crown, clean favored, and imperially slim." Denotatively imperially means attractive and majestic. Connotatively imperially suggests a royal palace and therefore shows that Cory might have lived in one.

Edwin Arlington Robinson also uses the word "grace" in his poem. He wrote, ."..And admirably schooled in every grace." Denotatively grace means beauty, charm, and good manners. Connotatively grace suggests Cory must have had good manners of a king.

In conclusion, Edwin Arlington Robinson basically shows that Richard Cory was indeed a rich man with many luxuries, similar to the qualities of a king.