Cathedral Lesson Plan

Why do you think Edna joins Wes at Chef’s House? What is her motivation, and what does she expect?

Although some may initially argue that Edna goes to try to save or rekindle her marriage, students should quickly recognize that it the reality presented in the story is much more complicated. This is particularly supported by the fact that Edna seems to be very familiar with the promises that Wes makes at the beginning of the story—she says she “knows that wagon,” meaning that she has experienced Wes’s attempts at sobriety and is familiar with what it might entail. Students should note that she doesn’t necessarily come to Chef’s house out of hope for a better future; rather,...