Here's a breakdown of how Robert's influence works:
* Initial Resistance and Fear: The narrator begins with prejudice and fear towards Robert, a blind man he's never met. He feels threatened by Robert's presence in his marriage, and his own anxieties are exacerbated by the unknown.
* Exposure to a Different World: Through Robert, the narrator is exposed to a world he never considered. Robert's blindness forces the narrator to rely on his other senses and his imagination. He learns to see the world differently, literally and figuratively.
* Embracing Vulnerability: As Robert helps the narrator draw a cathedral, he becomes more vulnerable and open. He allows himself to be guided by Robert, who embodies a different way of experiencing the world. This vulnerability allows the narrator to break free from his own limitations.
* Shifting Perspective: The narrator starts to understand that his own preconceived notions were limiting his perception. He begins to see the world with more empathy and less judgment.
* A New Appreciation for His Wife: Through Robert's presence, the narrator gains a deeper appreciation for his wife's connection to him and her compassion for Robert. This deepens his love for her and strengthens their bond.
The narrator doesn't necessarily become "more confident" in the traditional sense. Instead, he gains a new perspective, a greater awareness of his own limitations, and a more empathetic understanding of the world and the people in it.
Robert's influence is ultimately about breaking down barriers, challenging the narrator's assumptions, and opening him up to a richer, more meaningful experience of life.