Cathedral by Raymond Carver Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Cathedral by Raymond Carver - Research Paper Example Until the narrator realizes his own incapability to perceive, with Robert’s guidance, what a cathedral really is, he cannot understand about how the blind man, Robert, sustains an intimate relationship with his wife Beulah (also with the narrator’s wife). He further is blindfolded by outward appearance of things. Referring to Bub’s obsession with outer appearance, Teresa Alutto comments, â€Å"The narrator’s preoccupation with physical appearance is evident. Therefore, it is not surprising that he cannot understand Robert’s marriage, which was entirely based on the emotional and intellectual aspects of a relationship.† (2) Bub cannot understand that beauty or appreciation of beauty plays a very little role in a successful relationship. Neither can he delve deep into his wife’s mind to grow mutual understanding. The narrator, Bub expresses his confusion regarding Robert’s successful relationship with Beulah as following: â€Å"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†¦go on day after day and never receives the smallest compliment from her beloved.† (193) Bub is also aware of Robert’s closeness with the narrator’s wife. The irony of the narrator’s capability to see is that he neither tries to understand what he sees. He shows no effort to understand and explain his wife’s exasperation with him. He simply describes the mystery of Robert’s relationship with his wife in a disinterested manner. Robert takes it for granted that physical blindness is a type of obstacle in the way of close relationship. Therefore he wonders at the blind man’s ability to grow intimacy with others. In the second paragraph he comments on his wife’s disinterestedness in him, as following: â€Å"My wife finally took her eyes off the blind man and looked at me. I had the feeling she didnt like what she saw†