Journal 14

“Richard Cory“ (497)

Richard Cory seems like a perfect person but in the end, the reader finds that he is sad.  This relates to his name in that Richard has “rich” and Cory is similar to “core;” at the core of Richard Cory, he was depressed.  The realism involves the establishment of his depression

“Miniver Cheevy” (497)

Miniver Cheevy wants to become a knight, but he is a minimal achiever.  Miniver Cheevy lived too much in the past because he wanted to be born into a better time period.  His real life is empty, and he used alcohol to fill his empty life.  His ideal life took place in the Middle Ages.  Because he was so destracted by his fantasy, he could not live his normal life.

“Mr. Flood’s Party” (498)

He has a party by himself.  The “flood” in his name refers to his drinking.  He thinks back in the past to make himself feel better about his loneliness.  When Mr. Flood talks about enduring the end, he is talking about how he might not live much longer.  All his friends are dead or gone, so he is lonely.   The reader is forced to question if he is lonely because his friends are dead or because he drove them away.  Mr. Flood’s idealist life is focused on his past happiness and relationships.  His realistic life is lonely and sad.