The Narrator In Carver's Cathedral

The protagonist in Carver’s “Cathedral” also serves as the narrator. The man although nameless reveals to us (the readers) who he is throughout the story. We see many ranges in this character, he shows us that he is jealous, narrow-minded, self-centered, and even prejudice. Also even though he is not described as being blind himself, he does seem to be blinded to his wife’s thoughts and feelings, as well as to things he does not understand. The main character lacks intimacy, and seems to be condescending at times. But what makes this story so interesting, are the changes he is able to make with a simple gesture of trying to describe to Robert the blind man, what a cathedral looks like. Robert’s character in this story is key to better understanding …show more content…
Unable to get in touch with what’s on the inside and be able to describe a Cathedral and everything it represents, Robert asks him to draw it with him. As he draws the cathedral with Robert touching his hands, Robert instructs him to close his eyes. This gives the narrator the opportunity to look inside himself and have a greater understanding to this experience. Because of this, the cathedral and his description of it, is now tied to a feeling and emotion. This now allows the narrator to truly have …show more content…
Robert, although blind has great insight and understanding, which helps him truly see others for who they are. In the mist of tragedy he is able to bring out the best in others and make life changing connections. He plays a strong support system to the narrator’s wife. Although it is explained throughout the story of the many audio tapes sent back and forth, we know very little of his responses, which to me represent the importance of sometimes just listening to others. Even though he was struck with tragedy himself, with the loss of his wife, he was able to bring out the best in the narrator, and show us he was willing to open up his mind and