Prompt #1 - Cathedral

Normally I will be posting writing prompts on Blackboard only, but because some of you have had trouble logging on to Blackboard, I am posting this first prompt here as well.

Please write a one-page response to “Cathedral” based on one of the following six prompts. As I mentioned in class today, when you respond to a prompt, you don’t have to answer it exactly. It is meant to spur your thought process, not dictate your response. You certainly don’t need to quote the prompt or use its exact language. However, please do use specific examples from the story when responding.

1. Before Robert arrives, there is quite a long section of back story, where the narrator (we are not told his name) describes his wife’s relationship with Robert along with other details from her past. Why are these important to the story? How would the story be different if Carver began it when Robert is arriving?

2. How does the narrator feel about his wife’s past relationship with Robert? Is he jealous of Robert? Angry? Bitter? More importantly, why do you think he feels this way? What clues does Carver give us?

3. How does the narrator change in the story? Is he different at the end than he is at the beginning? If so, how? When does the change begin to occur? What causes it? Do you think it will last? Why or why not?

4. Interpret the story’s title. Does Carver choose it simply because there is a show about cathedrals on TV and because of the drawing? Or does Carver intend for it to mean more? Explain.

5. Why do you think Robert wants to draw a cathedral with the narrator? Does he really want to know what it looks like, or does he have other motivations?

6. How would you describe the narrator’s experience at the end of the story. Is it a spiritual experience? Is it a pot and alcohol-induced good time? Does it have anything to do with his wife? I’m not looking for any specific answer. I would genuinely like to hear your interpretation of the ending.

Thank you. I am looking forward to your responses.

-D