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Benjamin Kim

Mr. Sylvia

AP English Literature

10 February 2014

Prompt 3

In both short stories, Cathedral and The Boarding House, the main characters

illuminate the true meaning of their stories in which audiences realize the deeper message the

authors present.

In The Cathedral, the narrator initially is pessimistic about his encounter with the blind

man, only to reverse his opinions after a revelatory incident, showing that ones perspective of

life is always multi-sided. The narrator considers the blind man pathetic, as he would only be a

nuisance to his simple lifestyle. Also, the narrators insensitivity is revealed when he complains

about his new house guest. Since the man had recently lost his wife, one would expect the

narrator to be sympathetic and welcoming, but instead he only feels dread. Then, Carver

intentionally divides the story by placing a gap, signifying a change in tone and situation. When

the narrator draws the cathedral, which didnt mean anything special, he considered it crazy

and it was like nothing in [his] life up to now. By closing his eyes and drawing the cathedral,

he is thrust into the position in which he immersed his sense with those of the blind mans. By

visualizing what the blind man had to experience every single day, the narrator felt compassion

and a completely foreign perspective. This enables him to sympathize and feel what his new

friend experienced his entire life, and this newfound compassion brings him to the realization

that in the spectrum of life, there are always new perspectives and diverse ways to approach

things. Previously, a cathedral held little importance to him until he was asked to help his friend

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visualize one. Thus, he discovers the diverse and multifaceted nature of life from this one

experience.

In The Boarding House, the Mooneys manipulative nature is revealed as mother and

daughter alike indirectly find a suitable husband for Polly. Mr. Doran claims that he was tempted

by the touch of her hand and his own delirium, but while he was sent down to talk to Ms.

Mooney, Polly waited patiently, almost cheerfully giving place to hopes and visions of the

future. Pollys patient nature seems to reveal her thoughtful cunning as she has most likely

predicted for this scenario to unfold. She has intended for this to happen, so that she could find a

suitable and dependable husband, unlike her own mother. Thus, Mr. Doran is drawn into this

ordeal and must marry Polly unless he wishes to risk his entire reputation and career over this

affair. Pollys calm demeanor implies that she orchestrated this entire situation to happen, being

calculative and deceiving in her true intent. Her almost immediate transformation from a

weeping damsel in distress into a calm, pondering being reveals the mental and emotional

stability she possesses over her mental self. Thus, this mental acuity belies her mask or facade

she maintains as the innocent virgin. By claiming that Mr. Doran took advantage of her youth,

she gains leverage and exploits this power, revealing the extent of her cunning and manipulative

nature. In the clear moment after Doran leaves the room, Polly finally casts away her facade of

innocence and reveals her calm, level-headed demeanor. In this moment of isolation, her true self

is portrayed, furthermore revealing her true intentions.