The expression, “don’t judge a book by its cover”, is a metaphorical phrase meaning an individual should not judge the worth or value of something by its outward appearance alone. This idiom is generally referred to when discussing equality as it is unfair to make assumptions about an individual based on only their exterior traits. To demonstrate equality, one must put forth their best effort to ensure that every individual, regardless of race, religion, disability, etc., has an equal opportunity to make the most of every situation. The theme of equality is apparent in the text, “The Cathedral”, by Flannery O’Connor. In this short story, the narrator assumes that all blind people are the same; As a result, he is consistently proven wrong. The narrator is continuously surprised by the blind man’s normalcy; the man has a beard, doesn’t wear dark sunglasses, smokes, and easily navigates his meals. Therefore, the narrator was extremely incorrect in regards to his stereotypical assumptions about his blind guest. By writing, “The Cathedral”, Flannery O’Connor disproved common stereotypes that are often associated with physical differences. Due to this, equality is a consistent theme throughout the piece as it demonstrates the fact that you can not make assumptions about people based on society’s stereotypes. Therefore, the main theme present in this short story is equality, as well as the open-mindedness to act in such a way.
The intention and impact of honesty on an individual’s life and the power an individual has to create a meaningful life are two prompts that connect to the short story, “The Cathedral”. The text tends to circulate around how false ideas and assumptions affect an individual’s point of view and suggests that we all must make the best of every situation. This is demonstrated through the narrator’s constant bewilderment regarding the blind man’s way of life as it is not necessarily the stereotypical life of a blind person. Despite his disability, the blind man lives a happy and fulfilled life, looking at every situation with an optimistic perspective. He says things such as, “I’ve got ears”, when asking people to describe physical things to him. The blind man has such a positive outlook on life that the story becomes ironic in the sense that the man who can see learns things from the man who can not. The narrator learns the importance of being open minded and inclusive despite the outward appearance of someone or something; he learns that true joy exists within making the most of any situation. The intention of honesty is a crucial thing for all circumstances as truth is what allows us the ability to build connections with one another. Although honesty with others is very important, honesty with ourselves should be a priority as we are unable to be open minded without being truthful with ourselves. Being honest with oneself is more complicated than it may seem, as an individual rarely resists the temptation to fall victim to believing society’s stereotypes, tainting one’s view of the world around them; instead, an individual must ignore stereotypes and vouch for themselves. Once an individual has achieved the talent of open-mindedness, they’ll have the ability to set their mind to anything and live their desired life. Everyone has the power to create a meaningful life for themselves, it simply comes down to being open minded and honest. The blind man demonstrates this to the reader through his honesty with himself as he has come to peace with the fact that he is without the ability to see, instead, he makes the best of his situation and relies on his other senses to live his life; regardless of his disability, the blind man has lived a happy and fulfilled life.
Therefore, equality is a consistent theme throughout the short story, “The Cathedral”, as the text describes the narrator’s initial surprise at the lack of applicable stereotypes in regards to his blind guest. Throughout the story, the blind man teaches the narrator the importance of being honest and open minded, ultimately teaching him how to create a meaningful life. The narrator’s originally biased perspective is altered as a result of meeting a blind man who doesn’t fit into the standard stereotypes regarding disabled people. As a result, he learns the very important lesson of open-mindedness.