Transcendence In “Cathedral”: Interdependence Between A Close Minded Narrator And An Open Minded Blind Man
Rarely, a story shows self-discovery as well as personal enlightenment in such a realistic and compelling way as Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral.” Both characters are dependent on each other to grow and gain new perspectives as the story progresses. Carver uses a limited, but progressing narrative to bring the reader into his story. Carver explores the theme transcendence using tone, setting and imagery. He also uses character development to convey the climactic moment of enlightenment.
“Cathedral’ initially has a lot of indigestible, satire. Carver conveys this in the form staccato-esque, choppy sentences. The “Bub” narrator is often called this. He talks sardonically, indifferently to his fellow citizens and displays a nonchalant attitude towards his wife. He is often rude to her because of his insecure nature. She has been a friend for many years and this causes him to be very upset. He is “walled-in by his own insecurities.
Bub’s perspective is clear. Carver says that Bub was a blind man living in his house. “- wasn’t something [he] looked ahead to.” (Carver 90). This is an excellent example of Bub’s dark, sheltered perspective. Carver presents it to give a clear beginning point. The story’s tone changes as the narrator becomes more humane and optimistic.
The dinner scene (in the which Robert and Bub establish a relationship for the first-ever time) is both a great, visual setting as well as providing a basis for the changing tone of the story. Bub, midchomp, notices Robert’s efficient eating behavior and says that he “watched with [great] admiration as…he used his knife/fork.” (Carver95) This is the first compliment Robert gives; evidently, he is astonished by Robert’s ability to use his kitchen utensils.
After their meal, Robert’s narrator pays him a compliment. Robert was greatly impressed with him as he “inhaled and held the smoke, […] let that go.” (Carver97). Bub said to Robert after he smoked his first joint. (Carver97). Carver used this imagery and tone to emphasise the shift in the narrator. Bub is finally coming to terms with the fact that his preconceived notions of Robert are false and is now realizing there is something very special about Robert. This leads to a shift for the reader because the narrator hasn’t shown any compassion towards anyone.
Carver then magnifies the “spark” of narrator’s transcendence by taking it to the next level. Robert and Bub become the only ones left after the pot-smoking. Robert decides not to go to bed, but he does so to enjoy a friendly chat. (Carver97) Bub is left confused and perplexed at his newfound appreciation for Robert’s business. Carver suggests at this stage that the narrator is experiencing an even deeper change – foreshadowing its climax.
The men who have been stoned gather around the television to form the central point of transcendence. Bub and Robert start to talk about the historic program on cathedrals. Robert replies that he does not know anything about cathedrals. The narrator asks him a few questions. Robert’s blindness means that he has limited knowledge. Robert is then confused by the narrator’s inability to describe the beauty of one. He describes the cathedrals on televised television in very limited detail and then admits that they “don’t mean anything special for [him]”. (Carver 98). Bub doesn’t believe “in anything” and isn’t religious. Robert, however, feels dissatisfied and asks Bub to pick up a pen and paper to help him draw a cathedral. Robert grabs Robert’s hand and draws the illustration. You’ll see. You’ll see. Draw.” (Carver 105). A remarkable shift occurs when the narrator realizes that he doesn’t have as many options as he thought. Robert encourages Bub to continue drawing the cathedral, adding arches, windows, doors and most importantly, people. Bub closes his eyes and reveals the final, dramatic shift. “It’s like [he] is] in nothing,” he finally feels. (Carver 101). Carver then explains the ultimate transcendence of the narrator in Bub’s words, “It’s really anything.” (Carver 101). It is clear that the narrator has renounced his cynicism and insecurities as well as his stereotypical, narrow-minded perspective. He is in a new way of seeing the world. He was able to see clearly and has gained insight from his interaction with a blindman.
