[Solution]Give a clear comparison and the contrast that exists between the stories and characters in the novel, Cathedral by Raymond Carver and the A & P by John Updike.

Cathedral by Raymond Carver and A&P by John Updike are two short stories that share some similarities and differences. Both stories follow the lives of relatively average people who have mundane lives, but nevertheless take unexpected turns in their life-changing moments. On one hand, Cathedral is a story about how two men’s relationship evolves while they draw a cathedral together on a piece of paper; whereas, A & P follows the struggles of Sammy, a young grocery clerk who quits his job after witnessing an event involving three female customers who enter his store wearing only bathing suits.

Give a clear comparison and the contrast that exists between the stories and characters in the novel, Cathedral by Raymond Carver and the A & P by John Updike.

The characters in both stories are equally as important to creating their respective pictures. In Cathedral, we meet Robert, the protagonist and narrator of the story; his wife Beulah; and her old friend “the blind man” whom she wrote to rekindle their past connection. Robert is set up as an unreliable narrator due to his inability to understand or empathize with any form of disability or difference from himself—as evidenced from when he first hears about her inviting her old blind friend over for dinner without consulting him first (even though he had agreed). However, this same character development arcs throughout the entire story until its conclusion as he actually begins to connect with The Blind Man once he sees him draw out a full cathedral on paper—breaking away from his preconceived notions about blindness and disabilities in general before meeting him face-to-face.

In contrast, Sammy is presented differently when compared to Robert: Sammy is brash and impulsive—he makes snap judgments based off small interactions between people within a single momentary timeframe (such as when judging Lengel for scolding the girls). His opinions are strongly held despite societal conventions dictating otherwise (which eventually leads him to quitting his job after standing up for what he believes in). This type of behavior paints Sammy more as an idealistic figure than someone grounded in reality—and it shows through at various points throughout the narrative where other characters try correcting or speaking against how impulsively Sammy acts towards certain situations. Despite these opposing traits among protagonists itself sets them apart right away but there are other differences between them too which include setting/scenery and themes explored within each work respectively.

The settings of Cathedral versus A&P differ widely since Cathedral takes place mostly indoors inside Robert’s living room – with brief trips outside – while A&P takes place entirely inside an actual A&P supermarket near Boston Massachusetts where all events unfold during daytime hours; additionally no specific timeframe nor setting changes occur during either narratives entirety — making them static but still unique environments overall. Moreover what makes these settings important elements also lies within how they directly relate back into each stories main overarching theme–for example in Cathedral connection being made through understanding regardless ones physical limitations can be found–while A&P brings forth ideas relating around conformity versus nonconformity frequently instead!

Apart from that social commentary present across both works often plays big role too – however different aspects get highlighted depending upon which narrative you look at specifically . For instance looking again at Cathedrals case ,it emphasizes more on importance behind human relationships even if those individuals may not always even ‘know’ each other well before starting out – plus its message further reinforces idea that no matter our personal backgrounds everyone deserves chance find common ground amongst fellow peers anyways? Whereas A & P focuses mainly upon pressures society puts onto its citizens conform outside norms order fit mold expected others –with plenty satirical jabs thrown amidst dialogue keep readers entertained amused whole way through!.
Thus these short pieces ultimately help drive home point regarding certain aspects society needs change while providing viewers insight into otherwise unremarkable daily lives seemingly average folks like us everywhere!