e Rich Man by Franklin P. Adams illustrates a poor mans thoughts about a rich man. The poem lures the reader into thinking that the poor man is a virtuous man who doesnt care about earthly pleasures, such as wealth, cars or houses. By portraying the rich man only through his possessions, the reader sees him as a very shallow, or even as a very unhappy person. Someone anyone wouldnt want to be, anyway. This is why the poor mans answer to the question is so surprising. The answer rips the reader back down from the clouds of virtuous choices. It is a slap on Bartletts cheek. To me, this poem offered a much more realistic view of life than any romantic poem....
