Richard Cory lived the American Dream

Obviously reaching a successful status in society is a goal most people try to obtain because of the promise of making money and bringing pride to your name. However, after reading the poem Richard Cory, I realized that someone who reaches a position of power or high status can become socially isolated as a result. In the poem, Edwin Arlington Robinson describes how everyone envied Corry's traits, looks and success. For this reason, the last two lines of the poem stunned me. "Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head." In the poem, Robinson subtly explains how Richard Cory was isolated from society which was the reason why he committed suicide. This poem has led me to question the validity American Dream. As Americans in a capitalist society, we are taught to try to achieve the highest level of success in order to make the most money and gain the most power. However, Robinson explains how it is possible that one can become miserable as a result of success. The scary thing is that Richard Cory was a humble, approachable human being and still became isolated because he could not make meaningful relationships with people because of his position. Obviously, most people who hold prominent positions are not miserable and have meaningful relationships. However, it also is obvious that financial success does not guarantee one will obtain fulfilling relationships and happiness. Shouldn't the American dream be to achieve guaranteed happiness and not end up like Richard Cory?

Heres the Poem: http://www.bartleby.com/104/45.html
Also Simon and Garfunkel wrote a song about the poem: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euuCiSY0qYs