Rarely does a story depict self-discovery and personal enlightenment as honestly and tenaciously as Raymond Carver's "Cathedral" . This story describes the meeting between an initially closed-minded narrator and a free-thinking blind man. As the story develops, it becomes evident that both characters need each other to evolve and gain new perspectives. Carver achieves this by incorporating the reader into the story, through the use of limited and progressive narrative point of view. Explores the theme of transcendence through the use of tone, setting, imagery, and character development to portray the narrator's climactic enlightenment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay The tone of “Cathedral” initially contains a considerable amount of indigestible satire, which Carver represents in the form of choppy, staccato sentences. The narrator (who is commonly referred to as "Bub") speaks sardonically and indifferently to the people around him, regularly displaying an air of nonchalance towards his wife. He often belittles her, largely due to her general insecure nature, and her long-standing friendship with the blind man embitters him deeply. He is essentially “walled in by his own insecurities and prejudices.” (Nesset 116) He despises the fact that his wife previously worked for the blind man and has formed a close relationship with him, which she “likes” about. He envies their intimate relationship and is extremely jealous of the fact that, "on his last day at the office […], he touched every part of her face, nose and even her neck with his fingers." (Carver 91) Carver makes it quite clear from Bub's perspective that "a blind man in [his] house - [especially one caressing his wife's face!] - was not something [he] looked forward to." (Carver 90) This is a great example of the narrator's dark and sheltered perspective, which Carver portrays to provide a clear starting point. However, as the story progresses, the narrator – whose “prejudices and cynicism [previously understood] limitations [he was] too crude or lazy to free himself from” (Hathcock 31) – takes a turn for the better, subsequently causing the tone of La story becomes more personable and optimistic. The dinner scene (in which the narrator, his wife, and Robert truly establish some form of common ground for the first time) provides an ideal, image-laden setting while solidifying the foundation for the film. change of tone in the story. Bub, mid-chew, notices Robert's efficient eating habits, as he admits that he "watched with [great] admiration as he used his knife and fork." (Carver 95) It is the first compliment the narrator gives Robert; he is obviously amazed that a blind man could be so handy with his cooking utensils. After the meal, the three characters find themselves sharing a pot in the living room, and the narrator, once again, pays Robert a compliment. He is very impressed with Robert as he “breathed in, held the smoke and […] let it go.” (Carver 97) Watching Robert smoke his first joint, Bub states, "It was like he'd been doing it since he was nine." (Carver 97) Carver uses these images and tones to emphasize the change that is occurring within the narrator. Bub is beginning to understand the falsity of his preconceived ideas about Robert, and is now recognizing that there is something undoubtedly special about the blind man. This, in turn, causes a change in the reader as well, due to the fact that the narrator has not shown any kind of compassion – towards anyone – so far..