Raymond Carver
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Does anyone know the significance of the cathedral in Carver's "Cathedral"? I'm trying to research it but there aren't any web resources for the story. I'm trying to investigate the drawing's significance in the story in respect to the narrator's change. Why a cathedral? Any input on the religious symbolism would be very much appreciated. Thanks.
>>By KFeliz (Friday, 3 Oct 2003 16:14)
What is the signifigance of the country WESTERN music in "A Small, Good Thing?"
>>By Christ (Tuesday, 14 Oct 2003 21:02)
I need help on a topic for a paper. I need something to tie in his stories of "Cathedral," "A Small Good Thing," and "What we talk...". HELP!!!!
>>By Ann (Monday, 27 Oct 2003 04:52)
Does anyone knw the significance of the title "Cathedral" in terms of how it helps us to understand the central theme of the story
>>By raman (Wednesday, 26 Nov 2003 23:08)
I'm trying to figure out the same thing.. the central theme.. and what's with his wife and what's with all the alcohol?
>>By Dimeinga (Monday, 1 Dec 2003 00:29)
Part of reading fictional stories utilizing symbolism is to consider the many different meanings a symbol may suggest and how the different interpretations enrich the story as a whole. I, for one, find Jefferson’s theory about “the husband” refreshing and insightful, going beyond the usual chatter about the stories one allegorical parallel: the man with sight was truly the blind man. Jefferson takes this particular discussion to the next level. To this end, Eva, I don’t think Jefferson was suggesting the narrator should “merely describe his feelings,” nor should he incorporate his feelings into the story. On the contrary, truly, the husband is a dynamic character, but how he narrates the story lets us see that he is still in the process of learning and growing. Yes, the man with sight was truly the one who could not see, however, one evening spent with a man with a handicap has not brought the husband to a place of full enlightenment, but rather started him on the road. Oscar, unless you are Raymond Carver himself, who are you to say anyone’s interpretation or analysis is “laughably wrong.” If you are the authority on this story, as your tone hints at, than by all means, share your vast wisdom. Tell us why this CAN NOT be metafiction, and instead what exactly it is. If you are of the school that Cathedral is an allegory, and has only one parallel, then fill us in. What is THE allegory and what is the one allegorical equivalent for each figure? Furthermore, your tone was snobbish! In the future something to the effect of, “Jefferson, that is an interesting interpretation of the meaning of the Cathedral, however, I believe…,” would be much less offensive and get your point across just the same. (On this note, there is no need for anyone to point out my hypocrisy; I am not necessarily trying to avoid snobbishness)
(Another example of productive discussion) Jefferson, it is uncommon that you perceive there to be “no value of faith” in Cathedral. (Also for Raman and Dimeinga) I believe there is a value of faith in the story. The Cathedral is the primary literary symbol (as the story is titled such), and encourages us to further probe the story for religious values and ideas about faith. For instance, this symbol references the husband’s change, his spiritual development. Having the husband draw say, The Statue of Liberty, would not have conveyed the intended message. As for the wife, she represents people with privilege in society (in this case she is sighted) such as rights activists and social change agents who work tirelessly to educate the public and raise awareness around issues of discrimination. These are people who have faith in humankinds’ ability to change and grow. It is their own privilege that allows them to access others with privilege, ones who perpetrate intolerance, and effectuate change. The wife, having started on her path to enlightenment 10 years previously, had access to her husband that Robert did not. The wife, who wrote poetry about all the important events in her life, realized that not all people see the world the same when she allowed Robert to feel her face.
There are many other fascinating uses of symbolism in Cathedral; their pastime of drinking, the pot smoking, and the dinner. But what is the significance of the wife’s first marriage and what is it about the narrator that would prompt her to marry him after her divorce? Could this be another reference to faith?
>>By Stella73 (Tuesday, 10 Feb 2004 18:54)
I suspect raymond carver would turn in his grave to hear the comments on this site. He wrote stories. Good stories about the struggles and conflicts people experience in EVERYDAY life. They are not meant to be profound. There is little symbolism in any of his writing; you're creating deeper meanings which simply aren't there.
>>By fatman (Saturday, 30 Oct 2004 13:13)
I must agree with fatman. Everything I've read about Raymond Carver says that he just loved to write and wrote about normal (most of the time) people in the working class. That's why he's one of my favorite authors.
>>By reojames (Wednesday, 7 Jan 2009 17:48)
No, never thought they were symbolic. Just very hard-hitting, and well-written. Aspiring authors NEED to read his stories.
>>By Flagg (Thursday, 8 Jan 2009 01:12)
The discussion board is currently closed.
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