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Biggie Smalls And Richard Cory

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Many times when people commit suicide, those around them are oblivious of the evidence left behind that triggered them to self-harm himself or herself. There are many motives that can cause a person to take their own life. Depression, being a victim of bullying, and disconsolate lifestyles are a few of the principals that provoke oneself to be suicidal. Many times those who are in their stages of enacting self-harm, do not inform others of their next action, suicide. However, those who do attempt to speak on their actions of committing suicide deliver these messages through forms of writing, such as poetry or music. For instance, in the poem “Richard Cory” by Edwin Arlington Johnson and the song “Suicidal Thoughts” by Biggie Smalls, both the …show more content…

The use of death significantly impacts the reader's view of their work. In the poem, “Richard Cory,” Robinson presents death dissimilarly in addition to the song. In the poem, death is presented as an unknown factor to the narrator’s death. To those reading the poem, are not aware as to why the narrator took his own life. However, based off of the clues specified, the readers can ensure that Richard Cory was suffering from either depression, sadness, or an unhappy lifestyle. Those around him believed he lived a glorious and prosperous life according to the poet, who mentions “And he was rich--yes, richer than a king-- And admirably schooled in every grace.” (Robinson 344) Unfortunately, those around him who believed he was living this untroubled lifestyle, were wrong. “Richard Cory, one calm summer night, Went home and put a bullet through his head” (Robinson 344). While Richard Cory was someone others looked up to, the artist of “Suicidal Thoughts” wanted others to look up to …show more content…

In the song, the artist raps about each of his problems revealing his reasoning behind his action of killing himself. Conversely, in the the poem there is no evidence left for the reader to understand Ricard Cory’s reasoning for committing suicide. Biggie Smalls mentions “All my life I been considered as the worst” (Line 14) clarifying that even those around him do not see him as an important figure in life. Interestingly enough, Small’s judgment against his rationality behind his message is based on his transgressions against women and their actions, notably from his mother and his child’s mother. One of the other reasons leading him to commit suicide is because of his mother’s child and his mother. Small mentions “I swear to God I want to just slit my wrists and end this bulls***... I swear to God I feel like death is fuc**** calling me” (lines 24-30) This line exhibits that he he was to the point where he was ready to take his life. Overall, throughout the course of the song, Biggie mentions all his sins, dirt, and his plan of committing suicide, whereas in “Richard Cory” there is no trace to his plan or reason for his

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