“Richard Cory” by Edwin Robinson and “What is Success?” by Ralph Emerson both portray the theme that material things do not bring about success; however, “Richard Cory” manages to display the theme more effectively than its counterpart does.

            While both poems use various literary devices to express their themes, ultimately, Robinson’s “Richard Cory” is more efficient at portraying its theme. Emerson’s poem, “What is Success?” uses repetition to facilitate its attempt to describe the qualities of success; “To appreciate beauty;/ To find the best in others;” (Emerson. lines 6-7). Even though, the poem’s repeated use of “to” was to emphasize its theme, it made no emphasis because the poet used the literary device too many times. As a result, the poem was very drab. However, “Richard Cory” uses irony to transmit the theme to the reader. After describing how well respected Richard Cory is, Robinson writes, “And Richard Cory, one calm summer night,/ Went home and put a bullet in his head” (lines 15-16). Through the use of irony, the poet manages to emphasize his theme without being overly repetitive. In this way, the poem made more emphasis on its theme and the readers would have a greater impression of it while reading its. “Richard Cory” depicts its theme more efficiently than its counterpart in other ways as well.

            “Richard Cory” also presents its theme more efficiently than “What is Success?” through style of presentation.  “What is Success?” presents its theme by listing the immaterial characteristics that make one successful. For example, the poem states, “To know even one life has breathed/ easier because you have lived;/ This is to have succeeded” (Emerson. lines 12-13). Although, the poet does provide details about what brings about success, leading into the theme, it falls short of leaving an impression in the reader’s minds. The poet could have improved this poem if he had described each trait a little more. Unlike “What is Success?”,                                                                                                      “Richard Cory” uses an actual example to exhibit its theme. In describing Richard Cory, the Robinson writes, “Whenever Richard Cory went down town,/ We people on the pavement looked him:/ He was a gentleman from sole to crown,” (lines1-3). Although the poem does not display a wide range of qualities of success, it describes its one theme in a very detailed demeanor. In this way, it can make a deep impression on the reader. Other than the means by which the themes are presented and its use of irony, “Richard Cory” also uses shock value to express its theme more effectively.