In the poem "Richard Cory" by Edward Arlington Robinson, we are presented with the perception that "everything that glitters is not gold". All through the years, it seems that the working class people have often been envious of the rich and all their money can buy, while the rich finds that money is not everything. The many references to Richard Cory's personality, appearance, and riches in this poem are what the working people believe to be perfection. It seems that we all strive and dream to be perfect. .
In this poem, Robison refers to Richard Cory as "a gentlemen from sole to crown" (3), and "human when he talks" (6), indicating that although he was wealthy he did not "look down his nose" at the working class, that he had a very likable personality that made "fluttered pulses" (7), making him popular amongst the working class towns people. It seems to be a natural thing for people to want popularity, and Richard Cory had much popularity, which was only one of several things making it appear that he was perfect and "had it all".
Also, the working people saw him as "Clean Favored, imperially slim" (4), and "Quietly arrayed" (5), indicating that he was a neat, well-dressed and outstandingly built man (which was probably another reason he caused "fluttered pulses"(7)). Style and good looks are other things people are inclined to wish they had. Who wouldn't want to look good and wear neat clothes? But, that is not always the case, especially when one holds down a hard labor job making very low income. Unfortunately, there are many of low-income workers for which this is the case. Only the ones who have the money for such extravagance can afford this luxury. Nevertheless, this was yet another thing Richard Cory had that the towns" people envied, making him "glitter when he walked" (8).
The third reference that Robison makes in the poem is of Richard Cory's wealth and education." He was rich- richer than a king" (9) and "admirably school in every grace"(10).
