Self-Imposed Limits In Raymond Carver's Cathedral

People have a habit of constructing boundaries and constantly conceiving new ways to divide themselves from one another. We can observe this not only in the obvious places––such as geographical separations––but also on a more personal level––such as within relationships. Although these boundaries are formed as a self-protection mechanism with the goal of separating oneself from harm, in reality they also separate oneself from potentially positive situations. Bub, the main character in Raymond Carver’s short story “Cathedral,” is a prime example of how self-imposed limits can be detrimental to oneself and their surroundings. “Cathedral” is also an effective demonstration of the potential within everyone to stretch and approach their limits.

We can also speculate that Bub’s personal limits have been modified and expanded, allowing us to generalize that, since many limits are self-imposed, they can change over time and adapt to different situations. However, can personal limits ever be crossed, or is the liminal position the furthest reachable point for any given limit? I would argue that, yes, the liminal position is the furthest reachable point for any given limit. However, It is important to remember that we previously established the idea that limits can be reshaped and expanded. Therefore, going beyond the liminal position would instantly extend the limit; it is no longer limiting any given person to the same restriction that it initially was. Saying that the liminal position is the further achievable position for any given boundary doesn’t sound like a particularly positive statement. Perhaps though, after generations of reshaping and expansion, limits will become so broad, so blurred, that their existence is nearly imperceivable. This outcome doesn’t sound nearly as gloomy. Someday, humanity may stretch its self-inflicted limits so far that they may as well not exist. Assuming that limits cannot be dissolved completed, this is the best possible outcome. This day is not today, but there is still the desire for all limits to be as imperceivable, as minute, and as infinitesimal as possible. Bub