An Analysis of the “Minimalist” Narration in Cathedral

Abstract

This paper analyzes the minimalist narrative techniques in Raymond Carver’s short story collection, Cathedral, highlighting how his unique narrative style redefines the short story form. The study finds that Carver’s use of internal and external focalization enhances the realism of his narratives, allowing readers to experience events through a more subjective and fragmented lens. The incomplete narrative structures and open endings in his stories mirror the complexities and uncertainties of real life, encouraging readers to actively interpret and engage with the text. Carver's concise language—characterized by short sentences and everyday speech—effectively distills complex emotions and situations, offering a profound reflection of the human condition. These findings demonstrate Carver's significant contribution to minimalist literature and his ability to capture the nuances of ordinary existence.