“Cathedral”
Raymond Carver
At first, I initially thought this was a religious short story. Since I am familiar with the Roman Empire and the Latin religious era, I had the impression of the story’s relation to Biblical times. On the other hand, the characters’ view on religion was somewhat distant.
As I was reading the short story, I was making references to “Oedipus Rex” by Sophocles. The pleasure ensued as I was making the connection of sight versus insight, pertaining to theme.
One may have eyes but it cannot see beyond the countenance of the other. In comparison to the blind that has insight to the emotions and feeling of others. As the story comes to a close, one can infer that one does not need eyes or the physical sight to see and connect emotionally with another human being. The eyes puts a face to the person, but the countenance is not all in regard to the individual. Like a book, once must not judge a person with their mere appearance for it is definitely deceiving.
Human beings have the tendency of being judgmental towards another due to their physical appearance or due to hearsay. Personally, I have been guilty of creating an biased opinion on someone based on their appearance or even through gossip. The fact that I can personally relate to the story is refreshing and makes one ponder on their own similar experiences. The determination to dig deeper than flesh and skin, instead to bond emotionally, the journey of getting to know someone, their good qualities, is definitely lighter in our hearts than the unnecessary grudge that we hold tightly in our hearts that the mind never forgets.
On an ending note, the word “cathedral” comes from a Latin word “cathedra,” which means “seat.” The climax took place as the narrator and the blind man, named Robert, sat and drew a “cathedral” with the narrator’s eyes closed, which in turn opened his heart and mind to the insight of the things around him.
The short story is definitely recommendable to peers and acquaintance. 
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