Cathedral

The story Cathedral, by Raymond Carver, has many profound implications when reading it.  Its plot line runs in a way that the reader is able to gracefully move through the story, and become entangled into it. Carver utilizes the story to capture his audience’s attention in a manner that allows him to speak his mind on the subject of not just blindness, but disability. 

                Carver uses the context of a blind man to play with the idea of disability in the broader meaning, and how we as people in most cases react to it.  The blindness that Robert displays, is at first repugnant to our narrator in the story.  But, through the diligence of Robert, and the man’s own understanding, there is a bond that is forged.   The man’s view of Robert changes as the story progresses, and the man gets to know him better. Our narrator develops a new set of values in the end of the story; in which people are of difference, whether physically, mentally, socially, etc., should not be viewed as less of a person.  Each person in the world brings their own uniqueness to it.  Through this story, Carver is subjecting his audience to a broader view of the world that we truly live in.     

I loved that Carver wrote this story in a way that was intriguing to his readers.   Because the story was so interesting, his readers were forced to open their eyes.   Carver does an amazing job at getting his feelings out about the subject in a manner that is both appropriate and professional.  He does not step on any ones toes, and he leaves the topic in the minds of the reader to mull over. I have to say, my favorite part in the story is when Robert has the man close his eyes and draw.  It shows be that the man has really developed a connection with Robert, and is trusting him and that he has become a changed person.  We can really learn something from this story, and its message is universal to all people.