"Feathers" tells the story of a couple, Jack and Fran, who decide to change their lives and have a child after visiting friends – but later realize that a child does not fix their unhappiness.

"Chef's House" tells the story of Edna and Wes, who live in a friend's house one summer and begin to repair their defunct marriage, but realize when they have to move that they'll never escape who they are.

"Preservation" is about Sandy and her unemployed husband, who becomes a 'frozen man,' unable to move from the sofa or take any real action in his life. When their fridge breaks, she sees him beginning to melt.

"The Compartment" follows Myers, who is taking a train trip in Europe to reconnect with his estranged son. Through hours of meditation on his…

Read the full Cathedral Summary

• Cathedral Summary
• About Cathedral
• Character List
• Glossary of Terms
• Major Themes
• Quotes and Analysis
• Summary and Analysis of "Feathers"
• Summary and Analysis of "Chef's House"
• Summary and Analysis of "Preservation"
• Summary and Analysis of "The Compartment"
• Summary and Analysis of "A Small, Good Thing"
• Summary and Analysis of "Vitamins"
• Summary and Analysis of "Careful"
• Summary and Analysis of "Where I'm Calling From"
• Summary and Analysis of "The Train"
• Summary and Analysis of "Fever"
• Summary and Analysis of "The Bridle"
• Summary and Analysis of "Cathedral"
• The Chekhovian Short Story
• Related Links on Cathedral
• Suggested Essay Questions
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 1
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 2
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 3
• Test Yourself! - Quiz 4
• Author of ClassicNote and Sources

• Cathedral: Major Themes
• Cathedral: Essays
• Cathedral: Questions
• Cathedral: Purchase the Novel and Related Material
• Raymond Carver: Biography