When I walk past someone that is physically and mentally different than myself, I assume and judge; but my assumption is not always right because I haven’t been in their shoes to where I can completely fathom their situation. People tend to evaluate others harshly when they don’t know them personally. In “The Cathedral” by Raymond Carver, the husband has a hard time understanding the relationship between the wife and the blind man, Robert. Throughout the story, Carver shows us that assumptions interfere with the overall impression of a person and that audible communication increases understanding by using literary devices and elements of character. Carver gives the husband a straight but, aggravated tone which characterizes him as pessimistic
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He knows the world and how to comprehend mentally by using knowledge and logic. The wife and the husband have the ability to listen but, they listen to the wrong things. Carver uses irony and juxtaposition in “The Cathedral” to prove that blind people comprehend more even when they don’t truthfully see. Therefore, the husband is considered “blind” due to his lack of awareness of people and him taking advantage of keen vison. Robert connects with the wife because he listens and responds with interest. On the other hand, the husband doesn’t know the
Roussel 3 first thing about his wife even though he can see her literally. They have been communicating, understanding and “sending tapes for years” (Carver 2).
In conclusion, Robert renovates the husband’s perception on life by understanding, physical and audible communication within the use of literary devices. You can’t get a clear understanding of something unless you are put in that person’s point of view or situation and listen. Understanding yourself is a way to gain greater knowledge of others. Robert was able to leave the readers and the husband with the notion that you have to listen in order to understand; you can’t just look to see things on the surface, you have to go
He knows the world and how to comprehend mentally by using knowledge and logic. The wife and the husband have the ability to listen but, they listen to the wrong things. Carver uses irony and juxtaposition in “The Cathedral” to prove that blind people comprehend more even when they don’t truthfully see. Therefore, the husband is considered “blind” due to his lack of awareness of people and him taking advantage of keen vison. Robert connects with the wife because he listens and responds with interest. On the other hand, the husband doesn’t know the
Roussel 3 first thing about his wife even though he can see her literally. They have been communicating, understanding and “sending tapes for years” (Carver 2).
In conclusion, Robert renovates the husband’s perception on life by understanding, physical and audible communication within the use of literary devices. You can’t get a clear understanding of something unless you are put in that person’s point of view or situation and listen. Understanding yourself is a way to gain greater knowledge of others. Robert was able to leave the readers and the husband with the notion that you have to listen in order to understand; you can’t just look to see things on the surface, you have to go