Raymond Carver: Cathedral, Essay Example

The Narrators self portrayal  of the main character “Carver” , finds a man who is a jealous person who stereotypes people; in this case the blind guest.  It also unveils the numerous prejudices of the narrator and lack of communicative ability.  This is particularly evident in the lack of connection with his wife.  Consider ” his wife disapproves of his attitude toward Robert and fails to see how he could be so self-centered. “My wife finally took her eyes off the blind man and looked at me. I had the feeling she didn’t like what she saw. I shrugged” (509)” (Angelica, 2005)

Carver is not well connected with his wife and they have had marital difficulties indicated as a communications breakdown, the main reason cited for maintaining contact with the blind man Robert.  Roberts lack of vision, nevertheless shows a man at ease with himself and his surroundings despite the difficulties life has presented him, including the recent death of his wife. This is starkly contrasted to that of Carver who seems agitated and bitter with life surrounded by his own sense of self-importance.  Ultimately Carver comes to realise the issues with being blind and is taught a lesson from the very person he despised.

In the end as both Robert and Carver draw the Cathedral together, it is a moment of enlightenment for Carver and he finally feels compassion for understanding what it truly feels like to be blind. It illustrates that although Robert was physically blind, Carver was equally blind to many aspects of life and as such learnt a valuable lesson from Robert.

Works Cited

Angelica. (2005, 6 17). “Cathedral,” by Raymond Carver: Short Story Comment. Retrieved 11 12, 2009, from Echeat.com: http://www.echeat.com/essay.php?t=26898