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Truth And Blindness In Raymond Carver's 'Cathedral'

1372 Words6 Pages

Isolation of the human heart results in the inability to connect and take part in a greater existence, whereas blindness of the human eye gives way to the truth and tenderness of humanity found in the wonders of this world. In Raymond Carver’s short story, “Cathedral”, the nameless narrator seems to exhibit behavioral patterns of an addict, tending to detach himself from the plot and all relationships that he continually fails to confront throughout life. The central figure, who abhors the blind, is ignorant of his own constraints, which prevent him from recognizing the traces of transcendence in humanity that lies beyond the temptation of physical pleasure. Through the utilization of the communion model, by way of first-person narration, characterization, and extended metaphors, Carver reveals the main character’s journey of rapport, which is indicative of a human’s limited sight of truth and understanding, leading one to search outside the scope of curiosity for a more fulfilling life. One may begin to apprehend Carver’s true message throughout “Cathedral” by first considering the significant role that the first-person perspective of the main character plays in the basic plot scheme. Carver utilizes this first-person point of view to reveal particular qualities about the narrator along with his myriad insecurities, which are key to disclaiming his detachment from the world he lives in and better yet from life itself. For instance, in the exposition, he began sharing

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