In Edwin Arlington Robinsons poems, Richard Cory and Miniver Cheevy the main characters are portrayed as outcasts. Both are shunned from society neither having any real friends. Though these characters have some similarities, the way in which Robinson portrays them is very different. Richard Cory is admired by his peers, where as, Miniver Cheevy is opposite; people look down on him. One man appearing to have everything takes his own life, while the other appearing to have nothing accepts his misery.For Richard Cory, the saying money cant buy happiness, could not be more appropriate. He is, according to the people of the town, the man with everything. Everyone wished they could be more like him, he had everything to make us wish that we were in his place. In contrast Miniver Cheevy, had nothing to be admired for, he had done nothing with his life and yet he longed to have the adoration that Richard Cory had, the respect and almost kingly qualities, he was a gentleman from sole to crown. Miniver Cheevy wanted to be the hero that Cory was to the people on the street. Miniver mourned the ripe renown that made so many a name so fragrant.Richard Cory is told from an outsiders point of view, so that the reader does not gain any more insight into Corys mind then the people on the pavement. This also adds to the surprise when Cory, seemingly happy, puts a bullet in his head. Richard Cory had no friends the people of the town never really saw him as a person, in fact they never saw him at all, the people on the pavement looked at him, never spoke to him, he was only something to admire. He was a god in their eyes, almost holier than thou, and he was rich-yes, richer than a king yet He rarely spoke but when he did he was always human when he talked suggesting he was not human the rest of the time. He glittered when he walked as if he shined, he was different and the people on the pavement looked at him to an outsider he would appear t...
