How is the the theme related to appearances?"Richard Cory" by Edward Arlington Robinson

While the "people on the pavement" perceive Richard Cory
as imperially slim and all that they hope to be, their assumption that his life is to be
envied is based upon appearances and, not the inner workings of his heart.  Yet,
Arlington subtlely hints that Cory makes the same erroneous judgment about them.  For,
he comes to town and speaks to people, saying "Good morning," but all that occurs is the
fluttering of pulses.  Deceived by their admiring glances which he feels welcome him,
Cory is withheld from the human communion he desires because his perception of the
common people's hearts is delusional, as well.  His wealth at the time of the 1893
Depression when others had only bread to eat, keeps people from talking to him.  It is
this alienation which the public forces upon him that leads to his tragic
end.