Here's why:
* Cory is portrayed as the epitome of success and happiness: He is "a gentleman from sole to crown," "richer than a king," and seemingly has it all.
* However, the poem reveals his inner turmoil: The final lines state that Cory "went home and put a bullet through his head." This shocking revelation shatters the illusion of happiness and perfection he projected.
* The theme resonates broadly: We often judge people based on their outward appearances, assuming wealth and status equate to happiness. This poem reminds us that we shouldn't make assumptions about people's inner lives.
Therefore, the universal theme of "Richard Cory" is that appearances can be deceiving and that we should be mindful of the hidden struggles that people may face, regardless of how successful or happy they seem on the outside.