A well written poem may be read numerous times without losing its freshness because each word has been carefully chosen for both its literal and implied meanings. No words are included that do not add extra dimensions to the meaning of the poem. By critically examing the poem "Richard Cory", we can see that the poet, Edwin Arlington Robinson, has used effective diction to create a contrast which focuses reader attention on one aspect of …showed first 75 words of 344 total…

…showed last 75 words of 344 total…Cory (or what he seems to be) and the speaker helps to build the reader's anticipation for the surprising, ironic ending. The reader is shocked into contemplation: why does a man so admired and so rich "put a bullet through his head"? The answer is that there is no answer, at least not one that we will ever know. The outward apperance often does not reflect the inner reality of a man's life. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**