Rarely does a story depict self-discovery and personal enlightenment with as much honesty and tenacity as “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver. This story depicts the meeting between an initially closed narrator and a blind free-thinker. As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that both characters need each other to evolve and reach new perspectives. Carver achieves this goal by integrating the reader into the story, through his use of the limited and progressive narrative point of view. It explores the theme of transcendence through its use of tone, setting, imagery, and character development in order to depict the narrator's climactic enlightenment. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not 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 staccato, staccato sentences. The narrator (commonly called "Bub") addresses those around him in a sardonic and indifferent manner, regularly displaying an air of nonchalance towards his wife. He frequently belittles her – largely due to her overall insecure nature – and her long-standing friendship with the blind man deeply embitters her. 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 formed a close relationship with him, which she “enjoys.” He envies their intimate history and is extremely jealous of the fact that “on his last day at the office […] he touched every part of her face, her nose and even her neck with his fingers.” (Carver 91) Carver makes it clear from Bub's point of view that "a blind man in [his] house - [especially one who was caressing his wife's face!] - was not something [he] expected impatiently. ” (Carver 90) This is a great example of the narrator's dark and sheltered perspective, which Carver describes in order to provide a clear starting point. However, as the story progresses, the narrator—whose “prejudice and cynicism [previously] included] limitations from which he [was] too crude or lazy to free himself” (Hathcock 31)—takes a turn for the better, subsequently causing the tone of the story to become more sympathetic 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 plot's foundations. change of tone in the story. Bub, while eating, happens to notice Robert's efficient eating habits, as he admittedly "watched with [great] admiration as he used his knife and fork." (Carver 95) This is the first compliment the narrator gives Robert; he is obviously amazed that a blind man could be so skilled with his kitchen utensils. After the meal, the three characters find themselves sharing a casserole in the living room, and the narrator, once again, pays Robert a compliment. He is very impressed with Robert as he “inhales, holds back the smoke and […] lets it go.” (Carver 97) Watching Robert smoke his first joint, Bub says, "It was like he'd been doing it since he was nine years old." » (Carver 97) Carver uses this imagery and tone to emphasize the change taking place within the narrator. Bub begins to understand the falsity of his preconceptions about Robert and now recognizes that there is undoubtedly something special about the blind man. This, in turn,.