Surname 1
Name
Professor's name
Course
Date
Cathedral
Exploring Theme
Question: Writers sometimes end a story with an epiphany (a sudden realization of
meaning or profound insight). How effective is the narrator's epiphany in conveying the
story's theme?
After initially resisting getting to know Robert and harboring some prejudice against him
due to his blindness, the narrator finally has an epiphany at the novel's conclusion and
understands that he has been mistaken in his attitudes and has much to learn from Robert. As a
turning moment for the narrator, who has been resistive to understanding and embracing Robert
up until this point, the insight effectively conveys the story's theme. As the narrator realizes the
importance of learning from and interacting with people, the revelation emphasizes the subject of
understanding and acceptance. As the narrator uses his imagination to take in the splendor of the
cathedral and feel a greater connection to Robert, the revelation fits in with the story's underlying
topic of the importance of the power of the imagination (Carver). In the end, the narrator's
realization serves as a powerful vehicle for communicating the story's theme and providing a
satisfying finish to the tale.
Exploring Symbolism
Question: A cathedral is a symbol of strength and acceptance. Describe a specific instance
in the story where Carver uses the cathedral symbol for these purposes.
Surname 2
Carver utilizes the cathedral as a symbol to delve into ideas of tolerance, acceptance, and
the ability of the mind to overcome barriers. We can find delight and meaning in the ordinary by
focusing on the miraculousness of the world around us. The narrator and his friend Robert watch
a recording of a cathedral choir. Cathedrals are among the most elaborate and beautiful
architectural manifestations of spirituality, but the narrator in this passage is unimpressed by
them after seeing a TV show on them. The narrator appears uninspired by the cathedrals and has
trouble coming up with descriptive language for them since he doesn't pay any attention to them
while watching the show (Carver). After Robert's encouragement to describe the cathedral, the
narrator's first negative response alludes to his general failure to find significance or beauty in his
life. The narrator paints a realistic image of the situation for Robert as they listen, describing the
cathedral's splendor in detail. As a result of this activity, the narrator no longer takes cathedrals
for granted; he now considers them to be "truly something" (Carver), a 180-degree turn from his
previous viewpoint. The narrator gains a fresh perspective on the world and an appreciation for
the power and acceptance found in religion and human society.
Surname 3
Works Cited
Carver, Raymond. "Cathedral." Religion and the Arts 2.3 (1998): 279-298.
