Final answer:
Edwin Arlington Robinson is the author of the poem "Richard Cory," which presents a stark contrast between the protagonist's outward appearance and his inner state.
Step-by-step explanation:
The poem "Richard Cory" was written by Edwin Arlington Robinson in 1897. This poem is a part of the early American poetry that often portrayed individuals and society in a realistic manner. The narrative of the poem focuses on the eponymous character, Richard Cory, and the envious perceptions of the townspeople who admire him, only to be shocked by the poem's sudden and tragic ending.