Owen Meany as a prophet

A detailed Summary of Owen Meany as a prophet

"Watch out for people who call themselves religious; make sure you know what they mean-make sure they know what they mean!" (Irving 572). In the novel written by John Irving, A PRAYER FOR OWEN MEANY, the protagonist, Owen Meany, developed an unusual religious significance. Owen experienced visions of future events, he had a unique type of faith in God that most do not attain, and Owen spoke endlessly to inform people about God. Throughout Owen's life he demonstrated the same characteristics as a prophet through his actions and his words. Thus one could conclude that Owen Meany is a prophet.

Similar to a prophet, Owen was given precognitive powers that allowed him to see into the future. Owen's first prophecy came to him on New Years Eve 1953 during the community production of 'A Christmas Carol'. The most obvious inference concerning the play was that Owen played the part of the ghost of Christmas yet to come. In reaction to Owen's portrayal of this character, the audience's faces which were "so amused, so curious, so various-were rendered shockingly similar; each face became the model of each other's fear" (Irving 242). Owen had dehumanized this character to the point that children were leaving the theater crying a

As Owen grew up, he began delivering his messages on life and faith. Owen had become an instructor in the community and in the church. He was heard through the publications of the Gravesend paper known as 'The Grave' every week. It was through his submitted essays that he quickly acquired the title 'The Voice'. Each article commented on society or subjects of justice and morality. Owen was respected by many students at Gravesend Academy, not only because of

Owen Meany demonstrated many characteristics of a prophet, and could be linked to a prophetic figure. On more than one occasion, he had visions of future events which affected other people around him physically and spiritually. Throughout his life he also maintained a special relationship and strong faith in God. Many of Owens morals and values that he voiced became strong teachings about life. Although everyone in the world did not know him, many believed he was special for his wisdom at such a young age. Through these accomplishments, Owen leads himself to the stage of being a prophet. Today, prophets could be all among us, yet society turns away from the idea. The idea of a teacher for the subject of life fascinates many, but the idea of God sending messengers to us repels those who lack faith. What would it take for you to recognize a prophet? Many prophets may go unrecognized in the world and yet the only way they can exist is if someone will believe in them.

Owen Meany found strength in his belief that God made him for a special, heroic purpose. Owen thought he was the reason John's mother was killed. One night, Having gone into her room, he witnessed an apparition. Owen believed the task of John's mother's death had been passed to him for he had interrupted the angel of death at her holy work. To imply that this incident was an accident was to be accused that you lacked faith. In Owen's opinion "...he had DISTURBED AN ANGEL AT WORK, he had UPSET THE SCHEME OF THINGS" (Irving 102). Robbed from an ordinary life, "Owen felt that God had assigned him a role that he was powerless to change..." (Irving 420). Owen's mission was clear to him; he was God's instrument. Although he suf

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Approximate Word count = 1468
Approximate Pages = 6 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: History