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Within the realms of poetry, the exploration of human desires, disillusionment, and the yearning for an idealized existence is a recurring theme that transcends time and place. Two poems that delve into the complexities of such emotions are "Miniver Cheevy" and "Richard Cory." These poems, while seemingly straightforward, unravel the intricate layers of their protagonists, Miniver Cheevy and Richard Cory, who grapple with profound dissatisfaction in their lives. While both individuals share a common sense of discontent, they employ contrasting strategies to confront their inner turmoil.
This essay will dissect the characters of Miniver Cheevy and Richard Cory, examining their motivations, methods, and ultimate fates, shedding light on the human condition and the pursuit of elusive happiness.
In Edwin Arlington Robinson's "Miniver Cheevy," the author vividly portrays the protagonist, Miniver Cheevy, as a man consumed by an insatiable longing for a different era. Miniver's desire to have been born in medieval times is palpable throughout the poem.
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His vivid daydreams transport him to a world of chivalry and valor, far removed from the mundane reality of his existence.
The poem encapsulates Miniver's romanticized vision of the past, evident when the author writes, "The vision of a warrior bold / Would set him dancing." (Lines 7-8) Here, we witness Miniver's palpable joy at the mere thought of a heroic figure, a stark contrast to his melancholic existence in the present. His yearning is further underscored when he laments the day of his birth, declaring, "He wept that he was ever born, / And he had reasons." (Lines 3-4)
Miniver Cheevy, as depicted by the author, is a complex character torn between reality and fantasy.
It becomes evident that he is profoundly dissatisfied with his contemporary life. The poem conveys Miniver's deep yearning for a bygone era, as seen in the lines, "Miniver sighed for what was not, / And dreamed, and rested from his labors; / He dreamed of Thebes and Camelot, / And Priam's neighbors." (Lines 9-12) The author recognizes Miniver's ardent desire to live in a time of grandeur and glory, be it the mythical Camelot or the heroic age of Troy.
Edwin Arlington Robinson's poem "Richard Cory" introduces us to another character, Richard Cory, who, on the surface, appears to embody contentment and prosperity. The townspeople view Richard with admiration and envy, believing him to be the epitome of success. His wealth and demeanor make him an object of admiration among the community.
The poem suggests that Richard Cory is seemingly at ease with himself and his affluent status, as the townspeople "thought that he was everything / To make us wish that we were in his place" (lines 11-12). However, beneath this façade of contentment lies a complex individual grappling with inner demons that remain concealed from the world.
Richard Cory's internal struggles become evident as he takes a drastic and irreversible step to end his discontent. His decision to commit suicide serves as a stark testament to the depth of his inner turmoil. Despite his apparent success, his wealth fails to provide the fulfillment he seeks. The poem alludes to the fact that his demeanor in public hides the truth of his emotional suffering.
While both Miniver Cheevy and Richard Cory share a profound sense of discontent with their lives, they adopt strikingly different strategies to confront their inner turmoil. Richard Cory, despite his inner demons, maintains an outward façade of prosperity and composure. His method of coping is to project an image of contentment to the world, masking his true emotions.
In contrast, Miniver Cheevy chooses a path that involves detaching himself from reality. He finds solace in daydreams of an idealized past, one filled with knights, valor, and epic adventures. These fantasies offer a temporary escape from the mundane and unfulfilling aspects of his contemporary life.
Miniver Cheevy's yearning for a romanticized past ultimately remains unfulfilled. His continuous indulgence in alcohol, as depicted in the lines, "Miniver Cheevy, born too late, / Scratched his head and kept on thinking; / Miniver coughed, and called it fate, / And kept on drinking." (lines 29-32), only exacerbates his problems. His consumption of alcohol serves as a futile attempt to drown his sorrows and numb the pain of unmet desires. The cycle of dissatisfaction perpetuates, leaving Miniver trapped in a never-ending cycle of longing and escapism.
Similarly, despite the townspeople's admiration and envy, Richard Cory's inner demons overwhelm him, rendering his wealth and social status inadequate in providing solace. His suicide marks the culmination of his inner turmoil, revealing the hollowness of his external persona. His tragic end underscores the idea that material success alone cannot fill the void within.
In the poems "Miniver Cheevy" and "Richard Cory," the authors delve into the complex psychology of their protagonists, exploring themes of discontent, longing, and the pursuit of an idealized existence. Miniver Cheevy yearns for a romanticized past, while Richard Cory hides his inner turmoil behind a façade of prosperity.
Both characters grapple with an unfulfilled void in their lives, leading them to take drastic measures to confront their discontent. Miniver seeks solace in daydreams and alcohol, while Richard succumbs to the ultimate despair, ending his life.
These poems serve as poignant reflections on the human condition, highlighting the intricate complexities that lie beneath the surface of seemingly content lives. They remind us that true fulfillment cannot be attained through external markers of success alone but requires a deeper understanding of one's inner self and a genuine connection with the world around us.
A Comparative Analysis of "Miniver Cheevy" and "Richard Cory". (2017, Mar 01). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/miniver-cheevy-essay
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