When drawing a cathedral with Robert and closing his eyes, the narrator experiences an awakening in which he is able to see more than he ever could while keeping his eyes open. Despite his behavior that has been inconsiderate and disdainful of Robert all evening, he is compelled to talk to Robert after his wife nods out (Coll, 2019). Following some early difficulty, the narrator finally finds a source of compassion and describes what is on television in an embarrassing manner.
When the narrator learns he cannot adequately illustrate a cathedral, his good efforts are dashed. And although he can see the church, he is not able to explain its hidden relevance to Robert since he is not able to see it (Coll, 2019). Ultimately, the effort of illustrating a church with Robert’s eyes closed enables the narrator to examine himself and comprehend the deeper significance (Coll, 2019). As a consequence, the cathedral he describes has a more human quality, which frees the narrator and enables him to perceive sight for the first time.
Despite not being physically blind, the narrator of Cathedral exhibits a lack of understanding and consciousness that, in some ways, leaves him even blinder than Robert. The narrator, unlike Robert, can see very well with his eyes, but he finds it difficult to comprehend what people are really thinking and feeling (Coll, 2019). He lacks abilities in perception and is disengaged, indifferent, and uninterested. He is mistaken about what he thinks he sees, which includes his wife knowing too much about another man, the envy, and the urge to self-medicate with booze and drugs. The narrator can look beyond himself thanks to his spiritual growth, which is a direct outcome of his and Robert’s quiet bond. For his wife, this would be the greatest present (Coll, 2019). The narrator intends to value and perceive his wife as she has always desired as a result of his spiritual enlightenment.
Reference
Coll, S. (2019). “cathedral” by Raymond Carver. Why I Like This Story, 82–86.