"Cathedral" is a short story written by Raymond Carver, first published in 1983. The story follows the narrator, a middle-aged man who is initially hostile and resentful towards his wife's blind friend, Robert, who is coming to visit them. The narrator is uncomfortable with Robert's disability and cannot understand how someone who is blind can have a meaningful life.
However, as the story progresses, the narrator begins to see Robert in a different light. He becomes more open to Robert's perspective and begins to understand that blindness does not define a person. This shift in the narrator's attitude is illustrated through the story's central symbol, the cathedral.
Throughout the story, the narrator and Robert discuss the cathedral and its beauty. The narrator, who has never seen a cathedral before, is initially dismissive of Robert's descriptions of the building. However, as he listens to Robert and begins to imagine the cathedral in his mind, he begins to see it in a different way. He starts to understand that the beauty of the cathedral is not just in its physical structure, but in the way that it represents faith and the human experience.
As the two men sit together, they begin to draw a cathedral on a piece of paper. The act of drawing the cathedral becomes a way for the narrator to connect with Robert and understand his perspective. As they work on the drawing, the narrator realizes that he has been limiting himself by focusing on what he can see with his eyes, and that there is more to life than just what can be seen.
In the end, the narrator finds himself feeling a sense of unity with Robert and a newfound appreciation for the beauty of the cathedral. The story serves as a powerful reminder that our attitudes and perspectives can change, and that it is possible to find beauty and meaning in unexpected places.
Overall, "Cathedral" is a poignant and thought-provoking story that explores the themes of perception, understanding, and empathy. It is a testament to the power of human connection and the transformative power of imagination.