Why do you think Richard Cory commited suicide in Robinson's "Richard Cory"? Do you think rich people are more likely to commit suicide? (why or why...

's poem,
"" recalls the findings of recent studies that have revealed that people who have won
millions of dollars in lotteries have said after a year or more that they almost wish that they
had not won the money.  For, even though they tried to retain their old friendships, they grew
apart from them because they had purchased a new, more luxurious home, bought a new, elegant or
sporty car, and no longer worked with some of the friends.  Suddenly, they and their friends
were on different levels.

Such is the case with Richard Cory; even though he
is "human when he talked," he

...fluttered
pulses when he said,

"Good morning," and he glittered when he
walked.

Richard Cory speaks and would like to communicate
with people, but his wealth creates an alienation as the "people on the pavement"
perceive him as one above them--not someone with whom they would converse.  Cory is like a king
whom they admire rather than one with whom they would associate because he is a "gentleman
from sole to crown" and "imperially slim."

Aware of the social
and economic distance among them, the people of Robinson's poem are like the friends of the
lottery winners; they are uncomfortable socializing with one whom they "wish that we were
in his place."

Like the "poor,little rich girl," Gloria
Vanderbilt, whose wealth prohibited her from having meaningful relationships as so many men
merely wanted her money, Richard Cory is desperately lonely, a condition exacerbated by his
wealth.  This is the "hollowness and emptiness" of which akannan
above writes.  Cory's life, devoid of socialization, is a desperately lonely one, so lonely that
he kills himself out of despair.