Paper Topic:

Literature

The short story Cathedral ' by Raymond Carver is a sharp and poignant examination of personal prejudice . It is startling how artfully Carver shapes the theme of his story , using simple statements to express his constantly hardened tone toward Robert , the blind man that comes to visit his home . It is only in the final passage of the story that you see any change in his outlook and a flagging of his prejudiced viewpoint . Even the narrator himself doesn 't expect the sudden change remarking that he keeps his eyes closed (after drawing the

cathedral with Robert ) only because it seems like something [he] ought to do not fully realizing that in doing so he is actually choosing to see as Robert sees

During the few hours after Robert enters their home , the narrator feels as if he is in control at all times and views Robert as something of a helpless creature that must be served and assisted at all times . Yet all the while , it 's really Robert that 's in control . Knowing the narrator 's negative view of the blind , probably from his exchanges with the narrator 's wife , he carefully manipulates the narrator into first describing the appearance of the cathedrals in the television program they 're watching and later into drawing one for him . This forces the narrator to unwittingly change his perception of sight . While he 's unable to accurately describe the cathedrals he sees with his eyes , he is able to draw one by referencing the mental image he has of what a cathedral looks like . Thus does Robert lead the narrator to the realization that his mind 's eye is actually far stronger than his actual visual perception , a revelation the narrator finds is really something

Questions for other students to consider

Why does Carver use such harsh language in describing dinner (scarfed grazed , serious , etc ) and what role does it play in establishing the relationship between the story 's three characters

What is the significance of the author 's impersonal of his wife 's history , including her failed first marriage and suicide attempt

What role does drug use play in this story , and what effect (if any does it have in bringing about the narrator 's epiphany

Cathedral...

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