Story Structure and Form

Carver's "Cathedral" is structured in a linear and chronological fashion. When I picture it being re-written as a frame story, I think it might have been more interesting because it would have started in the present, when Robert was at the house with the narrator and his wife and then gone back to the past to give more information. This may not have worked, however, in that it might be too confusing! Also, in telling the story in chronological order, we get the experience of the buildup of tension, and even suspense, with the narrator being nervous about the arrival of his wife's blind friend. The narrator has a choice to make near the end when Robert asks him to first describe, and then draw, a cathedral with him. He could have remained closed-off but instead he allows himself to open up to Robert. This is a change for him because throughout the story, he is sarcastic and less than excited about meeting his wife's friend because it makes him uncomfortable. He does seem to change at the end as he bonds with Robert. After they draw the cathedral together, the narrator keeps his eyes closed and says, "It's really something." This shows that Robert has taught him a different way of "seeing" things, so to speak. Because of this, the chronological structure is the best for the story because this is the most impactful way to end the story and show the narrator's change.