A Reflection on Cathedral by Raymond Carver

Out of any of the books I have read in my years of high school, Cathedral has to be my favorite (besides Gatsby). Cathedral reminds me of a time I met a disabled man and I would stereotype him -from the things I watched on television or what I saw online. He showed me how it feels to be in his world. He wrote a paragraph and made me write one with him without using my fingers. Just like how in Cathedral when the blind man told the narrator is drawn what the Cathedral looks like with his eyes closed. Also, Cathedral shows us how judging a book by its cover is not the best choice. “Hearing this, I felt sorry for the blind man for a little bit. And then I found myself thinking what a pitiful life this woman must have led. Imagine a woman who could never see herself as she was seen in the eyes of her loved one. A woman who could go on day after day and never receive the smallest compliment from her beloved.” “But he didn’t use a cane and he didn’t wear dark glasses. I’d always thought dark glasses were a must for the blind.” 

My first look of Cathedral offers one the impression that a non-secular theme is concerned within the story. However, this perception is way from the particular content of the story. For instance, no cathedrals are mentioned till the end of the story. Once a cathedral is introduced into the story, it is clear that no single character is religious. While I was reading the story, the title of story had no connection to the story in the beginning. Which was confusing me until the end. Furthermore, the narrator uses a game tone to gift his thoughts and experiences. 

To me, the story feels like the narrator is talking to me and doing interesting twist and turns just to keep me interested in the story. In relation his feelings, the narrator does not get emotional or attempt to persuade the reader to develop a liking for him.

A further indication from the narrator’s tone is that the story is regarding relating the incidents from a selected time. However, I sighted some sincerity within the narrator’s tone. The narrator doesn't decide to hide the desperate scenario he's in, nor did he decide to deceive me into thinking that he's extremely optimistic regarding recovering from what overtook him. Cathedral also includes a straightforward conclusion that leaves me extremely interested. 

The ending tells me that I have something to look forward in a sequel. I was left whether or not the narrator’s feelings can endure, or whether or not his and Robert’s relationship can continue when the ending of the story. The story’s theme is to cherish every moment like it is your last.