Paraphrase- This poem is talking about a man who always seemed so happy. Almost like he had the perfect life. He looked good, was always glowing, was rich and was the ideal mean. Although, he ended up shooting himself in the head because even though he seemed to have it all, maybe he didn't.
Connotation- The author rhymes every other line, creating a rhythmic beat. He uses words like fluttered and glittered to make the people around Richard Cory feel insecure.
Diction- The writing is simple and blunt that creates a schocking and serious atmosphere. The diction is proper and provides aspiration. At the same time you can call it journalistic because Robinson uses words like glittered and fluttered.
Attitude- The attitude is serious. It creates shock because it's not what you expect.
Tone- The tone of this poem is blunt. All details are straight to the point and you know exactly what happens right when you read it.
Shift- This poem shifts towards the end in the last stanza. The last two lines. It's very happy and describes an ideal man, then quickly transfers to him shooting himself in the head.
Title Revisited- The title is about the people who look at Richard Cory and want to be him. Richard Cory is a mirror.
Theme- I believe the theme is: Just because you're happy on the outside, doesn't mean you're happy on the inside.
