Morgan Bishop
Professor Jessica E. Lindberg
English 1102
9 April 2015
Seeing Without Sight
The story “Cathedral” written by Raymond Carver uses the symbol of a cathedral itself to depict the theme, which is the ability to truly perceive something rather than just having the physical capability to look at an object or a place. A symbol, in a literary sense, is an object or act that means something more than just its literal definition. Carver’s use of the cathedral provides the narrator of the story the opportunity to see beyond the surface and recognize the internal beauty of his surroundings. The author also uses the cathedral to illustrate the narrator’s feelings as he goes through his experience. By leaving the narrator’s name unknown, …show more content…
He starts to realize that Robert does not fit all of the assumed characteristics of a blind person that the narrator once perceived. The narrator expected Robert to walk with a cane, wear dark glasses to cover his wandering eyes, and he also did not expect Robert to smoke. “I remember having read somewhere that the blind didn't smoke… but this blind man smoked his cigarette down to the nubbin and then lit another” (par. 42). This shows that the narrator had a preexisting opinion about Robert on a stereotypical basis, as he jumped to conclusions about Robert and his condition before getting to know him for the person he was. However, after taking the time to get to know the man behind the broken eyes, he realizes he is just like everyone …show more content…
“’Close your eyes now’ the blind man said to me” (par 125). The narrator continues to draw even after he closed his eyes. Once he was finished Robert told him to open his eyes and look at what he had drawn. However, the narrator decides to keep them closed. “I was in my house. I knew that. But I didn’t feel like I was inside anything” (par. 135). The author uses the symbol of the cathedral not only to teach the narrator to see beyond the surface, but also to illustrate the feelings of the narrator as he experienced this life changing moment. When being inside of something so beautiful, it becomes an experience that only a cathedral itself can offer. The high vaulted ceilings and light that beams through from all different directions, make for an unforgettable image. It makes one feel as if they are surrounded by this overpowering, stunning, and breathtaking presence. An indescribable feeling, as if one escaped from their own body. The author could have used any object or place to help the narrator understand that seeing what is on the surface does not always mean one sees something for what it truly is. However, using a symbolic monument, such as a cathedral, provides a deeper understanding for the narrator’s experience. When the narrator says he did not feel like he was inside anything, it relates to an
Professor Jessica E. Lindberg
English 1102
9 April 2015
Seeing Without Sight
The story “Cathedral” written by Raymond Carver uses the symbol of a cathedral itself to depict the theme, which is the ability to truly perceive something rather than just having the physical capability to look at an object or a place. A symbol, in a literary sense, is an object or act that means something more than just its literal definition. Carver’s use of the cathedral provides the narrator of the story the opportunity to see beyond the surface and recognize the internal beauty of his surroundings. The author also uses the cathedral to illustrate the narrator’s feelings as he goes through his experience. By leaving the narrator’s name unknown, …show more content…
He starts to realize that Robert does not fit all of the assumed characteristics of a blind person that the narrator once perceived. The narrator expected Robert to walk with a cane, wear dark glasses to cover his wandering eyes, and he also did not expect Robert to smoke. “I remember having read somewhere that the blind didn't smoke… but this blind man smoked his cigarette down to the nubbin and then lit another” (par. 42). This shows that the narrator had a preexisting opinion about Robert on a stereotypical basis, as he jumped to conclusions about Robert and his condition before getting to know him for the person he was. However, after taking the time to get to know the man behind the broken eyes, he realizes he is just like everyone …show more content…
“’Close your eyes now’ the blind man said to me” (par 125). The narrator continues to draw even after he closed his eyes. Once he was finished Robert told him to open his eyes and look at what he had drawn. However, the narrator decides to keep them closed. “I was in my house. I knew that. But I didn’t feel like I was inside anything” (par. 135). The author uses the symbol of the cathedral not only to teach the narrator to see beyond the surface, but also to illustrate the feelings of the narrator as he experienced this life changing moment. When being inside of something so beautiful, it becomes an experience that only a cathedral itself can offer. The high vaulted ceilings and light that beams through from all different directions, make for an unforgettable image. It makes one feel as if they are surrounded by this overpowering, stunning, and breathtaking presence. An indescribable feeling, as if one escaped from their own body. The author could have used any object or place to help the narrator understand that seeing what is on the surface does not always mean one sees something for what it truly is. However, using a symbolic monument, such as a cathedral, provides a deeper understanding for the narrator’s experience. When the narrator says he did not feel like he was inside anything, it relates to an