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Exploring the short stories "Raymond's Run" by Toni Cade Bambara and "Cathedral" by Raymond Carver, both authors employ a first-person point of view to illuminate the transformative journeys of their narrators. This essay delves into the distinct ways in which the first-person perspective contributes to portraying the characters' growth and transitions. By providing a window into the thoughts and emotions of the narrators, this narrative technique offers readers a deeper understanding of their evolving perspectives and actions.
In "Raymond's Run," Toni Cade Bambara crafts a compelling narrative through the eyes of Hazel, a young girl navigating the complexities of her world.
Initially presented as a protective sister, Hazel cares for her older brother Raymond, who faces challenges due to a mental disorder. Her boastful nature, especially regarding her running prowess, sets the tone for the story. However, as the narrative unfolds, Hazel encounters a gang of girls, including her main competitor, Gretchen.
A pivotal transition occurs when Raymond, her brother, calls out to her.
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The imagery of him "rattling the fence like a gorilla in a cage" marks a turning point. Hazel, recognizing Raymond's potential as a fast runner, undergoes a profound shift in perspective. She realizes that winning isn't everything and decides to retire from running, choosing instead to coach Raymond. The first-person point of view allows readers to witness Hazel's personal revelations—understanding the importance of helping others enjoy victory and gaining respect through competition. This transformation reflects the overarching theme of growth embedded in the narrative.
In Raymond Carver's "Cathedral," the first-person narrative unfolds through the perspective of the husband.
Initially, the narrator harbors hostility and irritation when his wife invites a blind friend to stay overnight. His discomfort stems from a lack of understanding of the blind man and his relationship with his wife. However, as the evening progresses, the narrator begins to relax as he and the blind man engage in activities together, including drinking and smoking weed.
A pivotal moment occurs when the narrator attempts to describe a cathedral to the blind man during a TV show. Failing to convey the essence verbally, the blind man suggests a unique method—drawing it together. This shared activity becomes a metaphor for genuine communication and understanding. As the blind man guides the narrator's hand in drawing the cathedral, the narrator experiences a transformative moment, acknowledging, "It was like nothing in my life up to now." The first-person perspective immerses readers in the narrator's evolving understanding of himself and human connection.
Both "Raymond's Run" and "Cathedral" share a common purpose in utilizing the first-person point of view. Toni Cade Bambara and Raymond Carver employ this narrative technique to showcase the growth and change experienced by their respective narrators. Hazel's journey in "Raymond's Run" demonstrates a shift from competitiveness to maturity and respect, while the husband in "Cathedral" undergoes a profound transformation in his perception of the blind man and human communication.
Through the personal lens of the first-person perspective, the authors aim to provide readers with a more intimate understanding of the narrators' internal worlds. By delving into their thoughts and emotions, the narratives become powerful tools for conveying the intricacies of personal growth and transformation. The first-person point of view becomes a vehicle for readers to witness the nuanced evolution of the characters, enriching the storytelling experience and emphasizing the universal theme of change.
In conclusion, the use of the first-person point of view in "Raymond's Run" and "Cathedral" serves as a powerful narrative tool, offering readers a front-row seat to the transformative journeys of the narrators. Whether it's Hazel's realization of the importance of helping others in "Raymond's Run" or the husband's newfound understanding of human connection in "Cathedral," the first-person perspective enables a more profound exploration of personal growth.
By immersing readers in the thoughts, emotions, and experiences of the narrators, these stories transcend mere narratives and become windows into the human condition. The first-person point of view proves instrumental in conveying the complexities of change and the beauty of evolving perspectives. Through these narratives, readers are reminded of the inherent capacity for growth within every individual, making the exploration of first-person perspectives a valuable literary endeavor.
Transformation through First Person Narratives. (2021, Jun 19). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/first-person-point-of-view-in-raymonds-run-and-cathedral-essay
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