His strained relationship with his wife, his meaningless job, and his substance abuse seem related to his inability to find joy or meaning in the world, which becomes clearest when he admits to Robert that he isn’t religious (although it seems like he was raised religious) and notes that he has a hard time in believing in anything. He seems to be fairly dependent on substances like alcohol and marijuana, which he smokes most nights before going to sleep. He admits to Robert that he takes no pleasure in his work, saying that he has been at his job for three years, does not like it, but does not see any other opportunities to earn income. At the beginning of the story, the narrator finds his life banal and somewhat meaningless. He is jealous of her ex-husband from her previous marriage, though that marriage was a miserable experience for her, and he is especially envious of her friendship with a blind man named Robert. Through interior monologue, the narrator shows himself to be cynical and insensitive, especially to the poetry written by his wife. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.The protagonist and narrator of Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral” is a middle-aged unnamed man. He is a well-known poet and short story writer.Ĭalifornia Revealed is supported by the U.S. Upon request to the Special Collections Librarian at digitized works can be removed from public view if there are rights issues that need to be resolved.ĭescription Raymond Carver graduated from Humboldt State University in 1963. Humboldt State University Library attempted to find rights owners without success but is eager to hear from them so that we may obtain permission, if needed. Responsibility for any use rests exclusively with the user. Works not in the public domain cannot be commercially exploited without permission of the copyright owner. Transmission or reproduction of works protected by copyright beyond that allowed by fair use requires the written permission of the copyright owners. This work is accessible for purposes of education and research. In addition, its reproduction may be restricted by terms of gift or purchase agreements, donor restrictions, privacy and publicity rights, licensing and trademarks. Title Raymond Carver, Cathedral Creator KHSU-FMĬal Poly Humboldt, Library Special Collections and ArchivesĬollection California Revealed from Humboldt State University LibraryĬopyright status unknown.

Cathedral carver