Outline Example For Cathedral
Outline example for “Cathedral” by Raymond Carver
Thesis statement with plan of development:
Through characterization and symbolism, Carver suggests seeing people as individuals rather than stereotypes can allow a friendship to develop.
Topic sentence #1: Although Bub and Robert don’t get off on the right foot, they end up seeing each other in their respective ways.
Argument: Bub = resentful/jealous, ends up seeing what Robert does.
Example(s): “I don’t have any blind friends” (280), “It’s really something” (291) Explanation: jealous doesn’t quite know how to act
Understands what Robert has to deal with.
Argument: Robert = respectful/cheerful, ends up helping Bub.
Example: “I’m comfortable” (285), “I’ll follow along with you” (290)
Explanation:
very unselfish man knows that Bub is having difficulty accepting him
Helps him understand with the drawing.
Topic sentence #2: The cathedral and marijuana symbolism more than just objects.
Argument: Cathedral = change of heart, connection
Example: “How could I even describe it…?” (289)
Explanation:
Realizes that he’s not above anyone else, same as Robert.
Argument: Marijuana = escape from real life for Bub.
Example: “You don’t have any friends.”(280)
Explanation:
One reason why he smokes
His escape to happiness
It brings the two men closer.
Conclusion: It’s hard to judge someone when you have never really met them. Don’t read a book by its cover because it could change you.
Works cited:
Carver, Raymond. “Cathedral.” 1983. Fiction: A Pocket Anthology. 3rd ed. Ed. R. S. Gwynn. New York: Longman, 2002. 278-291. Print.
Thesis statement with plan of development:
Through characterization and symbolism, Carver suggests seeing people as individuals rather than stereotypes can allow a friendship to develop.
Topic sentence #1: Although Bub and Robert don’t get off on the right foot, they end up seeing each other in their respective ways.
Argument: Bub = resentful/jealous, ends up seeing what Robert does.
Example(s): “I don’t have any blind friends” (280), “It’s really something” (291) Explanation: jealous doesn’t quite know how to act
Understands what Robert has to deal with.
Argument: Robert = respectful/cheerful, ends up helping Bub.
Example: “I’m comfortable” (285), “I’ll follow along with you” (290)
Explanation:
very unselfish man knows that Bub is having difficulty accepting him
Helps him understand with the drawing.
Topic sentence #2: The cathedral and marijuana symbolism more than just objects.
Argument: Cathedral = change of heart, connection
Example: “How could I even describe it…?” (289)
Explanation:
Realizes that he’s not above anyone else, same as Robert.
Argument: Marijuana = escape from real life for Bub.
Example: “You don’t have any friends.”(280)
Explanation:
One reason why he smokes
His escape to happiness
It brings the two men closer.
Conclusion: It’s hard to judge someone when you have never really met them. Don’t read a book by its cover because it could change you.
Works cited:
Carver, Raymond. “Cathedral.” 1983. Fiction: A Pocket Anthology. 3rd ed. Ed. R. S. Gwynn. New York: Longman, 2002. 278-291. Print.