Which one of the following elements is characteristic of the poem "Richard Cory"?

A. Lack of rhyme scheme

B. Surprise ending

C. Blank verse

D. Sonnet form

The answer to the given question is option "B". The poem "Richard Cory" cannot be a sonnet as a sonnet always has 14 lines. So the chance of option "d" being the answer is not at all possible. There are no blank verses in the poem "Richard Cory" and so there is also no chance of option "C" being the answer to the given question. There is also no lack of rhyme scheme and so option "A" cannot be the answer. The poem does have a surprise ending as Richard Cory shoots himself in the head after reaching home. So the correct answer is option "B".