Literature Question
Lence Altenor Professor Goldman American Authors University of Saint Joseph May 6, 2024 Perception’s Evolution: A Comparative Study of ‘Fleur’ and ‘Cathedral Transition and transformation are prevalent subjects in literature, reflecting the dynamic nature of human experiences and societies. Throughout history, authors have used these techniques to investigate the complexity of change and progress, both individually and societally. America saw tremendous social, cultural, and economic transitions in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century, making it an ideal time for literary examination of transition. In “Fleur” by Louise Erdrich and “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver, we see two unique but equally compelling narratives that explore the issue of transition during this time. “Fleur” is set in a Native American community in North Dakota, while “Cathedral” takes place in a suburban American home. Despite their varied backgrounds, both stories provide important insights into the human experience of change and progression. Erdrich and Carver utilize formal strategies such as symbolism, magical realism, and first-person narrative to investigate how people negotiate change and find meaning in their ever-changing environments. In this essay, I will argue that both “Fleur” and “Cathedral” explore deeply into the idea of transformation, using formal devices to express deeper insights about the human experience. Through close examination of these works, we can obtain a deeper understanding of the complex details of human experience and how people manage change and find meaning in their unpredictable situations (Erdrich 183-192). Introduction Louise Erdrich’s “Fleur” and Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral” offer profound insights into the human experience during the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth-century America. Both works explore the theme of transition and transformation, revealing deeper meanings through their portrayal of characters navigating change and growth. In “Fleur,” Louise Erdrich tells the narrative of Fleur Pillager, a young lady of Ojibwe ancestry. Fleur symbolizes resilience and a strong connection to her Native American roots, as seen by her survival stories, including near-drownings, and allegedly mystical capabilities. The story is set against the backdrop of white-dominated society’s invasion on Native American land, emphasizing the cultural tensions and hardships that indigenous groups experienced at the time. On the other side, Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral” is set in a suburban American home and tells the story of an anonymous narrator and his interaction with a blind visitor named Robert. The narrator is initially uncomfortable and prejudiced about Robert because of his blindness. However, during a late-night drawing session, the narrator’s perception begins to shift, resulting in a better understanding and connection with Robert (Carver 555-565). “Cathedral” delves with issues of isolation, empathy, and the transformative power of human connection. “Fleur” by Louise Erdrich Fleur’s rumoured mystical abilities further underscore her connection to her Native American heritage and the natural world. Her seemingly supernatural powers, such as her ability to control the weather and communicate with animals, add an element of magical realism to the story. For example, when Fleur is trapped beneath the ice of Lake Matchimanito, she manages to survive by summoning a giant pike to break the ice and pull her to safety. These incidents serve to highlight Fleur’s connection to the spiritual realm and the power of nature (Erdrich 391-401). The role of Lake Matchimanito and the creature known as Misshepeshu is central to conveying the theme of transformation in the story. Lake Matchimanito, with its murky depths and hidden dangers, serves as a metaphor for the challenges and mysteries of life. The creature Misshepeshu, believed by the Ojibwe people to inhabit the lake, represents the unpredictable and often dangerous forces of nature. Fleur’s encounters with the lake and Misshepeshu symbolize her own journey of transformation and resilience in the face of adversity. Erdrich employs formal devices such as magical realism and symbolism to convey the complexities of Fleur’s experiences and the cultural transformation taking place around her. The use of magical realism allows Erdrich to blur the lines between reality and the supernatural, creating a sense of mystery and wonder. Symbolism, particularly in the form of Lake Matchimanito and Misshepeshu, adds depth to the narrative by conveying deeper meanings and themes. Through these formal devices, Erdrich invites readers to explore the complexities of Native American culture and the enduring power of myth and tradition (Erdrich 183-192). Cathedral” by Raymond Carver In Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral,” The narrator’s discomfort stems from his lack of familiarity and understanding of blindness, which leads him to make assumptions and judgments about Robert based solely on his disability. Throughout the story, the narrator’s limited perspective and narrow-mindedness are evident in his interactions with Robert, as he struggles to empathize with or relate to him (Carver 1139). However, as the story progresses, the narrator’s perception of Robert begins to change, leading to a transformation in their relationship. The turning point comes during a late-night drawing session, in which the narrator and Robert bond over the shared experience of drawing a cathedral. Through this shared activity, the narrator gains a deeper understanding of Robert and his world, leading to a sense of connection and empathy that transcends his initial discomfort and prejudice. The late-night drawing session serves as a powerful metaphor for the transformative power of human connection and empathy. As the narrator and Robert work together on the drawing, barriers are broken down, and a sense of understanding and mutual respect develops between them. The act of drawing allows the narrator to see beyond Robert’s disability and recognize him as a fellow human being, capable of creativity and expression. Carver employs formal devices such as first-person narration, dialogue, and sensory details to convey the gradual transformation in the narrator’s perception and the growing bond between the two characters. The use of first-person narration allows readers to experience the story from the narrator’s perspective, gaining insight into his thoughts and emotions as he undergoes a process of self-discovery and growth. Dialogue is used effectively to reveal the evolving relationship between the narrator and Robert, as they engage in meaningful conversations that challenge their preconceived notions and prejudices. Finally, Carver’s use of sensory details creates a vivid and immersive narrative, allowing readers to fully experience the late-night drawing session and its profound impact on the characters involved. Through these formal devices, Carver invites readers to reflect on the transformative power of human connection and empathy, and the profound impact that understanding and acceptance can have on our relationships and perceptions of others (Carver 1139). Key Passages and Textual Evidence In Louise Erdrich’s “Fleur,” a pivotal passage that highlights transformation is Fleur’s emergence from Lake Matchimanito after a near-drowning incident. Erdrich writes: “The water boiled around her. The men heard the big pike’s splash, saw the circles go out and out. Then Fleur emerged from the depths, broke the water and climbed ashore. She was laughing” (Erdrich). This passage symbolizes Fleur’s resilience and connection to her Native American heritage. Despite the dangerous circumstances, Fleur emerges unharmed, laughing in the face of adversity. The imagery of the lake and the mystical creature Misshepeshu underscores the theme of transformation and the supernatural elements present in the story. Erdrich’s use of language and imagery creates a sense of awe and wonder, drawing readers into Fleur’s world and highlighting the power of nature and the supernatural in shaping her identity. Similarly, in Raymond Carver’s “Cathedral,” a key passage that highlights transformation is the late-night drawing session between the narrator and Robert. Carver writes: “It’s really something,” I said. […] “Yes it is,” he said. “Doesn’t it look like something? […] It’s the only time I ever felt anything like that, I’m sure” (Carver). This passage symbolizes the transformative power of human connection and empathy. As the narrator and Robert work together on the drawing, barriers are broken down, and a sense of understanding and mutual respect develops between them. Carver’s use of dialogue and sensory details creates a vivid and immersive narrative, allowing readers to fully experience the late-night drawing session and its profound impact on the characters involved. Through this shared activity, the narrator gains a deeper understanding of Robert and his world, leading to a sense of connection and empathy that transcends his initial discomfort and prejudice. Comparison and Contrast In both “Fleur” by Louise Erdrich and “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver, the theme of transformation is central to the narrative. However, the nature of transformation differs significantly between the two works. In “Fleur,” transformation is depicted as a deeply spiritual and mystical process, rooted in Fleur’s connection to her Native American heritage. Fleur’s survival incidents and rumored mystical abilities symbolize her resilience and connection to nature, highlighting the transformative power of spiritual and cultural identity. The lake and the mystical creature Misshepeshu serve as powerful symbols of transformation, representing the unpredictable and often dangerous forces of nature (Erdrich 391-401). On the other hand, in “Cathedral,” transformation is portrayed as a more personal and intimate process, rooted in the growing bond between the narrator and Robert. The late-night drawing session serves as a metaphor for the transformative power of human connection and empathy, highlighting the possibility of growth and understanding through shared experience. Despite these differences, both works share common themes related to transition, such as the importance of empathy, understanding, and human connection in navigating change and finding meaning in one’s evolving world. In both “Fleur” and “Cathedral,” formal devices such as symbolism, dialogue, and sensory details enhance the portrayal of transformation, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the characters’ experiences and gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human experience. Through these formal devices, Erdrich and Carver invite readers to reflect on the transformative power of human connection and empathy, and the profound impact that understanding and acceptance can have on our relationships and perceptions of others (Carver 555-565). Conclusion Both “Fleur” by Louise Erdrich and “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver offer profound insights into the theme of transition and transformation, revealing deeper meanings through their exploration of human experience. Through the characters of Fleur and Robert, the authors depict the transformative power of resilience, connection, and empathy in navigating change and finding meaning in one’s evolving world. Careful analysis of these work enables readers to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human experience and the ways in which individuals navigate change and find meaning in their evolving worlds. These stories serve as a reminder of the power of literature to convey complex human experiences and provoke thought and reflection. By exploring themes of transition and transformation, “Fleur” and “Cathedral” offer readers valuable insights into the human condition and the importance of empathy, understanding, and connection in navigating life’s challenges. References. Erdrich, Louise. “Fleur.” The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction, edited by Richard Bausch and R. V. Cassill, W.W. Norton & Company, 2006, pp. 183-192. Carver, Raymond. “Cathedral.” The Norton Anthology of Short Fiction, edited by Richard Bausch and R. V. Cassill, W.W. Norton & Company, 2006, pp. 1139-1151. Erdrich, Louise. “Fleur.” The Vintage Book of Contemporary American Short Stories, edited by Tobias Wolff, Vintage Books, 1994, pp. 391-401. Carver, Raymond. “Cathedral.” The Best American Short Stories of the Century, edited by John Updike and Katrina Kenison, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2000, pp. 555-565.
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