Whenever Richard Cory went downtown,

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Poème original

Whenever Richard Cory went downtown, We people on the pavement looked at him; He was a gentleman from sole to crown, Clean favored, and imperially slim. And he was always quietly arrayed, And he was always human when he talked; But still he fluttered pulses when he said, ‘Good-morning,’ and he glittered when he walked. And he was rich - yes, richer than a king --- And admirably schooled in every grace: In fine, we thought that he was everything To make us wish that we were in his place. So on we worked, and waited for the light, And went without the meat, and cursed the bread; And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head. Edwin Arlington Robinson

Traduction

Whenever Richard Cory went to town, We people on the sidewalk watched him; He was a gentleman from head to toe, Well-groomed, and elegantly thin. And he was always dressed simply, And he was always friendly when he spoke; But he still made hearts race when he said, ‘Good-morning,’ and he shone when he walked. And he was wealthy - yes, richer than a king --- And perfectly trained in every manner: In short, we thought he was everything To make us wish we were in his position. So we kept working, hoping for better times, And went without luxuries, and complained about the basics; And Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and shot himself in the head.

Explication

The poem 'Richard Cory' by Edwin Arlington Robinson tells the story of a man who appears to have everything: wealth, grace, and admiration from those around him. The townspeople envy his lifestyle and wish to be like him, believing that his life is perfect. However, the poem takes a dark turn when it reveals that Richard Cory, despite his outward success and charm, is deeply unhappy and ultimately takes his own life. This stark contrast between appearance and reality serves as a commentary on the hidden struggles that individuals may face, regardless of their social status or material wealth. The poem explores themes of isolation, the deceptive nature of appearances, and the profound impact of mental health issues.

Dictionnaire des mots

Mot	Sens simple	Traduction	Pron.
gentleman	a well-mannered man	a man of good social standing and manners

Whenever Richard Cory went downtown, — Poème | Poetry Explainer