Skip to main content

Early on in "Cathedral," the narrator reveals that he is not looking forward to his wife's friend's visit. Why not?

There are several reasons that the narrator seems uncomfortable with the visit from his wife's friend, Robert. The narrator is not a social person. In fact, his wife tells him, "You don't have any friends."


It is likely, however, that the narrator is jealous of Robert and his relationship with his wife. The narrator seems uncomfortable about the poem that his wife has written about the time Robert (who is blind) put his hands on...

There are several reasons that the narrator seems uncomfortable with the visit from his wife's friend, Robert. The narrator is not a social person. In fact, his wife tells him, "You don't have any friends."


It is likely, however, that the narrator is jealous of Robert and his relationship with his wife. The narrator seems uncomfortable about the poem that his wife has written about the time Robert (who is blind) put his hands on her face. His jealousy is also seen in his refusal to call his wife's ex-husband by name.



Her officer -- why should he have a name? he was the childhood sweetheart, and what more does he want?



He also denies a name to Robert, insisting on calling him "the blind man."


Yet the narrator specifically states, "A blind man in my house was not something I looked forward to." In addition to revealing the narrator's offensive and prejudiced attitude, these words show that the narrator is uncomfortable with someone who doesn't see the world the way he does. The narrator only knows the world through sight. He feels sorry for Robert's wife because he doesn't believe that Robert could compliment her (presumably because he couldn't see her). The narrator doesn't realize that there are things beyond appearance to compliment someone for. It is not until the end of the story that with the help of Robert the narrator realizes that one can understand something without seeing it.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What are some external and internal conflicts that Montag has in Fahrenheit 451?

 Montag, the protagonist of Fahrenheit 451, faces both external and internal conflicts throughout the novel. Some examples of these conflicts are: External Conflicts: Conflict with the society: Montag lives in a society that prohibits books and critical thinking. He faces opposition from the government and the people who enforce this law. Montag struggles to come to terms with the fact that his society is based on censorship and control. Conflict with his wife: Montag's wife, Mildred, is completely absorbed in the shallow and meaningless entertainment provided by the government. Montag's growing dissatisfaction with his marriage adds to his external conflict. Conflict with the fire captain: Montag's superior, Captain Beatty, is the personification of the oppressive regime that Montag is fighting against. Montag's struggle against Beatty represents his external conflict with the government. Internal Conflicts: Conflict with his own beliefs: Montag, at the beginning of th...
Post a Comment
Read more

In A People's History of the United States, why does Howard Zinn feel that Wilson made a flimsy argument for entering World War I?

"War is the health of the state," the radical writer Randolph Bourne said, in the midst of the First World War. Indeed, as the nations of Europe went to war in 1914, the governments flourished, patriotism bloomed, class struggle was stilled, and young men died in frightful numbers on the battlefields-often for a hundred yards of land, a line of trenches. -- Chapter 14, Page 350, A People's History of the United States Howard Zinn outlines his arguments for why World War I was fought in the opening paragraph of Chapter 14 (referenced above). The nationalism that was created by the Great War benefited the elite political and financial leadership of the various countries involved. Socialism, which was gaining momentum in Europe, as was class struggle, took a backseat to mobilizing for war. Zinn believes that World War I was fought for the gain of the industrial capitalists of Europe in a competition for capital and resources. He states that humanity itself was punished by t...
Post a Comment
Read more

Where did Atticus take the light and extension cord in To Kill a Mockingbird?

Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with... Atticus brings the light to the courthouse jail so that he can protect Tom Robinson.  Atticus learns that Tom Robinson, his client, is in danger.  A group of white men want to prevent the trial and lynch Robinson. He is warned by a small group of men that appear at his house.  He refuses to back down.  Atticus knows that the Cunninghams will target his client, so he plans to sit up all night with Jim if that’s what it takes to protect him.  Atticus tells the men that he will make sure his client gets his fair shake at the law.  “Link, that boy might go to the chair, but he’s not going till ...
Post a Comment
Read more