A single term. Self-awareness. A key element in our daily lives is self-awareness. Self-awareness is the ability to recognize and control one’s own thoughts, feelings, and behavior. A child might judge someone quickly for having a disability that they don’t control. An example of self-awareness is when a person uses a cane or a wheelchair to move. Examples of self-awareness are: facing difficult situations at an early age and how you respond. Two stories illustrate the differences in self-awareness. These stories include “Cathedral” (Raymond Carver) and “Where are You Going, Where have You Been?” ( Joyce Carol Oates).
Raymond Carver used a first person point-of-view in his short story, “Cathedral”. This viewpoint allowed him play the role of the narrator in situations and events. He interacts one on one with the blindman at the conclusion. The reader must understand that the narrator can be a bit selfish. The author didn’t want Robert to be the center of attention, but instead wanted the reader to focus on Robert’s body language. Because the story is written in first-person, the intended audience can feel the narrator’s emotions. Raymond Carver introduced the main character to the audience with the goal of expressing self-awareness, and the importance to make life better. The story’s main narrator is so focused on his own needs that he neglects to pay attention and feel empathy for his wife. Robert, the blindman, is so attached to the story’s past that he feels empathy towards the narrator. Roberts visit was something that the narrator said he wasn’t excited about. He was not someone I had ever met. And his blindness bothered me.” When he said these words, the narrator was negative and self-centered. Robert is a friend and support person for his wife. Carver sees the distinction between the man who refuses to act and the one who wants to reconcile with his wife and the blind. The narrator also claimed that “learning never stops” because he had “got ears.” He can’t see how his eyes and ears work properly and therefore cannot perceive the real world.
Connie, the main character from “Where are You Going, What Have You Been?” focuses primarily on herself, her appearance, as well as her mom’s approval. Connie was 15 years old when she began to doubt her ability to choose the right path. Oates says that Connie believed her mother was simple. Connie, according to Oates, deems her peers as “simple” and needs to improve her acceptance of the real world.
Oates also mentions that Connie lived in her own fantasies, which kept her from obtaining the things she desired. Oates, unlike Carver, uses third-person perspective to tell the story. Connie’s thoughts are and feel presented in a suspect setting. Connie’s perspective on the world and feelings towards others is not affected by Oates. This is what makes Oates so passionate about this. Connie’s definitions are too broad due to her young age. The author then concludes that Connie experiences self-awakening. Unfortunately, her life will remain the same.
Summary: Carver offers the narrator an opportunity to become more self-aware through understanding his environment. Oates however shows self-awareness, by letting go of the wrong path and letting others choose the outcomes.
