In Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral,” the author introduces the readers to a common flaw in society. As people, many see disabilities as a weakness. Carver adopts this attitude in the story in the form of the husband’s prejudiced nature. The way he first greets his wife’s friend is out of obligation and is strained considerably. He sees the blind man named Robert as a relic of his wife’s past who can be treated with contempt. It is not until the near end of the short story does he actually attempt to understand this visitor through conversation. At the mention of a cathedral the two unknowingly rely on each other to show the true meaning of the grand church. The husband is forced to illustrate the depth of such a place to one who has never seen the grandeur of the cathedrals. The blind visitor in exchange transforms the man with understanding and enlightenment of himself and others. The interaction …show more content…
How the characters are portrayed, their struggles and prejudiced nature at the beginning of the story are harsh but accurate representations of society. As people, we are not kind to those who are different and Carver shines a heavy light on that prejudiced tendency. Through his story, the characters are transformed when they are forced to see what the other feels. In life, we often ignore emotions of others and carry on thinking of only what we need. This is a flaw in society and Carver’s “Cathedral” was written to illustrate how to overcome these preconceptions and judgments of others. The story changes the reader, we are forced to take a step back and analyze ourselves. All readers can relate to the husband’s initial reaction to the blind man, we are hesitant creatures who look at those who are different with a wary eye. This is the instance Carver addresses to in his writing and points a finger at. In addressing it he hopes to get readers to overcome predetermined ideas and ideals of other