The Blinder Man

      In the story “Cathedral”, we can examine how Bub changes whenever the blind man comes to stay with him and his wife. The blind man, Robert, is a close friend of the wife because she used to read to him. Bub is not at all attracted to the idea of the blind man coming to live in his home. Before his arrival, he would make snarky comments to his wife about Robert’s blindness. Even though Bub can physically see, he lacks insight and self-awareness that makes him even blinder than Robert. Bub is socially awkward and doesn’t mesh well with other people, including his own wife. He doesn’t take the time to get to know her.  They are hardly even a couple. However, Bub is jealous and bitter at Robert and his wife’s relationship. At the beginning of Robert’s arrival, Bub remains quiet with not much to say. When the wife decides to go to bed, Bub and Robert are forced into conversation. To limit all awkwardness, Bub and Robert talk about the cathedrals because there is a show about them on TV. Robert reveals that he has never seen a cathedral, causing Bub to attempt their description. Robert eventually asks Bub to draw one with him, which turns into a self realization. Eyes closed, Bub draws the cathedral as Robert asked. This small act of drawing leads to Bub having an epiphany. For the first time in a while, Bub feels uplifted rather than empty. He is inspired. He takes a deep look into his life and realizes that there is more to life than shallow relationships and getting high. After this drawing, Bub finally sees for the first time.