By all accounts, Richard Cory is a good-looking dude. He's got a nice slim bod, nice clothes, a friendly demeanor. And, by the way, he's also got tons of money to spend on looking good. But appearances can be deceiving (just check out what we've got to say in "Themes: Versions of Reality"). Good looks do not always mean a happy life. We might all think that looking like Jennifer Lawrence or Channing Tatum, or having the money to spend on our appearance like Kim Kardashian, might make our lives just that much better. But even Richard Cory, the richest and best-looking dude around, isn't made happy by his good looks or money. Let this be a lesson to you kiddos: Put down that selfie stick. There are more important things in life than looking good.
Questions About Appearances
- Why do you think the poem uses so many regal words—"imperially," for example—to refer to Richard Cory?
- What is the connection between good looks and wealth in the poem?
- Do you think that Richard's good looks and snazzy clothes are the only reasons that the townspeople respect him? Why or why not?
Chew on This
Clothes make the man. Richard Cory wouldn't demand the respect that he does without those fashionable outfits.
His clothes and good looks are just a part of why the townspeople admire him. They'd still look up to him, even if he weren't a snazzy dresser.