Cathedral by Raymond Carver Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cathedral by Raymond Carver - Research Paper ExampleUntil the narrator realizes his own incapability to perceive, with Roberts guidance, what a cathedral really is, he cannot understand about how the blind man, Robert, sustains an intimate kinship with his wife Beulah (also with the narrators wife). He and is blindfolded by outward appearance of things. Referring to Bubs obsession with outer appearance, Teresa Alutto comments, The narrators preoccupation with physical appearance is evident. Therefore, it is not surprising that he cannot understand Roberts marriage, which was entirely based on the emotional and intellectual aspects of a relationship. (2) Bub cannot understand that beauty or appreciation of beauty plays a really little role in a successful relationship. Neither can he delve deep into his wifes mind to grow rough-cut understanding. The narrator, Bub expresses his confusion regarding Roberts successful relationship with Beulah as followingI found myself thinking wha t a pitiful life this woman must realise led. Imagine a woman who could never see herself as she was seen in the eyes of her loved onego on twenty-four hours after day and never receives the smallest compliment from her beloved. (193)Bub is also aware of Roberts closeness with the narrators wife. The irony of the narrators capability to see is that he uncomplete tries to understand what he sees. He shows no effort to understand and explain his wifes exasperation with him. He simply describes the mystery of Roberts relationship with his wife in a disinterested manner. Robert takes it for granted that physical blindness is a type of obstacle in the way of close relationship. Therefore he wonders at the blind mans ability to grow intimacy with others. In the second paragraph he comments on his wifes disinterestedness in him, as following My wife finally took her eyes off the blind man and looked at me. I had the feeling she didnt like what she saw