The tone of “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver is sincere. The author generates sincerity through the use of imagery, diction, and the narrator's direct address to the reader. The tone allows for a dynamic shift in the reader, from repulsion to sympathy. At first, the reader can perceive more than the narrator (Bub). This creates a curious response that demands a change in Bub's consciousness. However, the reader then follows a path of compassion as Bub lowers his shield of conscience, shares an intimate friendship, and experiences a revelation. The tone of sincerity leads us toward an ambiguous ending that leaves a question for readers to answer: what is Bub's epiphany? The ability of the two men (Bub and Robert) to perceive situations provides contrasting images. The author uses the understanding of the "sight" of the two men, but especially their relationship with Bub's wife. This is shown when Bub remembers the time his wife convinced him to listen to one of Robert's tapes. Bub tells us that the tape began as “a few minutes of harmless chatter” (Carver 518). This statement provokes contrasting images in the reader, as he experiences this “harmless chatter” from the perspective of both men. Bub believes that this “harmless chatter” doesn’t matter. However, the reader knows that Bub and his wife have relationship problems that can be improved through unconditional conversation. The recordings demonstrate that Robert, despite his blindness, has the ability to understand Bub's wife on a deeper level because he truly listens to her. The relationship between Bub and his wife provides a mental image distilled into the reader's mind. It is the image of a problematic relationship, which Bub ends up ignoring. The cathedral scene r...... middle of paper ...... confidence, which generates a change in the reader's response. Author Raymond Carver uses his tone of sincerity to frame the question: What is Bub's epiphany? Bub's sudden realization is the ability to understand the world from a new perspective. In the final passage of the cathedral scene, Bub realizes that he can gain freedom through ignoring his surroundings and using his new perception. Bub's new perspective on "sight" guides a shift in reader response. The reader feels sympathy as Bub gains the ability to break free from his own confinement. Raymond Carver expresses a sincere tone through the use of imagery, diction, and the narrator's direct address to the reader. These three story elements and the ambiguous ending of "Cathedral" are used by Carver to produce a progressive response and create lasting curiosity in the reader..