Question

In Robinson's "Richard Cory," lines 13-14 state, "So on we worked, and waited for the light / and went without the meat, and cursed the bread." What could the "light" symbolize that the speaker references?

Answer 1

In "Richard Cory," the 'light' symbolizes hope, a better future, or enlightenment. It represents the townspeople's aspiration for a day when their struggles will cease and they will experience positive change or deeper understanding.

Step-by-step explanation:

In the poem "Richard Cory" by Edwin Arlington Robinson, the phrase "waited for the light" in lines 13-14 could symbolize several things. It may represent hope, a better future, or enlightenment—the idea that one day, their struggles will end, and they will find relief or understanding.

Often in literature, 'light' is used as a metaphor for positive change or the attainment of knowledge and insight. For example, Helen Keller described literacy and the light of love shining on her, while other literary works similarly use light to symbolize knowledge, hope, or revelation.