1. Musicality: The song "Richard Cory" features music and singing, adding an emotional and melodic dimension to the story. The music and Paul Simon's distinct voice contribute to the overall mood and impact of the song.
2. Poetic Form: The poem "Richard Cory" is a traditional written poem with a specific structure. It consists of stanzas, each with a consistent rhyming pattern (AABBCCDD). This structure contributes to the poem's rhythm and flow when read.
3. Length and Detail: The poem is longer than the song and provides more details and context about Richard Cory's character, his lifestyle, and his relationship with the townspeople. The poem delves deeper into the themes of social inequality, class divisions, and the contrast between outward appearances and inner struggles.
4. Narrative Approach: The poem presents Richard Cory as a distant and enigmatic figure seen from the perspective of the townspeople. It takes on a more objective tone, observing and describing Cory's interactions and reputation. The song, on the other hand, takes a more subjective approach by incorporating the thoughts and emotions of the speaker, creating a more intimate connection between the listener and the story.
5. Ending and Interpretation: The poem ends with the unexpected and tragic revelation of Richard Cory's suicide, leaving the readers to ponder the reasons behind his actions. The song, however, omits the specific mention of suicide, leaving the ending more open to interpretation.
Overall, while both the song and the poem share the core story of Richard Cory's life and tragic fate, they differ in their artistic presentation, emotional intensity, and interpretation of the character and events.