"[Owen Meany] is the reason I believe in God: I am a Christian because of Owen Meany." John Irving begins his mysterious novel, A Prayer For Owen Meany, by foreshadowing the entire book within his first paragraph. John Irving uses many literary devices, such as foreshadowing, to create a novel that is intricate in design, and complex in meaning. Johnny Wheelwright, the narrator of the novel, is writing a memoir (the novel itself) about his friend, teacher, mentor, and spiritual guide, Owen Meany. By using stream of consciousness and flashbacks, John Irving allows Johnny Wheelwright to logically glide from one childhood event to another. In the novel, Owen Meany is a Christ figure that instills upon his best friend, Johnny Wheelwright, the gift of life, friendship, and faith. Modern crtitics suggest A Prayer For Owen Meany is an autobiographical work. These critics say that John Irving's strong faith in God is the driving force behind Johnny's relationship with both Owen and God. The novel's autobiographical nature is enhanced by the setting of the novel and the physical attributes given to Johnny Wheelwright. In the book, Johnny grows up in a small New Hampshire community. Through his fa

On the third day after the crucifixion, Jesus rose from the dead. He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of the Father. After the grenade exploded in Owen's arms, he knew that he had little time to live. He was carried by a nun and placed on the ground where he died. As he was dying, Owen noticed that he was rising up to the heavens. "YOU'RE GETTING SMALLER, BUT I CAN STILL SEE YOU!" Though this was Owen's last worldly act, he continues to visit Johnny, just as Jesus has done for the past two thousand years.

Owen Meany's negative side also extends to his uncanny ability to end life. He is the direct instrument of the deaths of two spirits. Johnny's mother was killed by the ball Owen hit. Because death is perceived as a negative consequence to life, Owen is seen as a negative person. The need for death, however, allows other people to be reborn. Owen's relationship with the families he had disturbed actually grows after the deaths. Owen created a space in Johnny's life, which was filled with Owen's true love for him. Through what appears to be a negative character flaw, Owen creates the ability to bond with families and create truth in the world.

Jesus could only impress people with his knowledge and expertise of the Bible, had he not been able to give faith to the weak. Owen, in the same manner, would only be a four foot genius with a weird voice, had it not been for his strong faith in God. The faith that Owen carried in his heart was a light that shone throughout many dark times. Owen not only had faith in God, but he also had faith that God would help him. Through Owen's teaching of faith to Johnny, Johnny is able to carry on Owen's message even after he is dead. Jesus, in the same way, also had people to carry on His message even after He died.

mily's wealth and influence, he is able to attend a prestigious boys' preparatory school. While at the "Academy," Johnny has trouble in his studies because he is dyslexic. There, he learned a new way to read and write, and when he enrolled at the University of New Hampshire, he excelled in his studies.

Many times throughout the Bible, Jesus saved people from dying, or brought them back to life. Owen Meany, working as "GOD'S INSTRUMENT," also saves people. When Johnny is drafted in Vietnam, Owen gives him the ability to stay out of the war. By cutting off Johnny's index finger, Owen saves his best friend's life. Through Owen's dreams, he realizes that for his destiny to occur, Johnny must be alive to help him. If Johnny dies in t

Some common words found in the essay are:
Owen Meany's, Mary Magdalene, Johnny Wheelwright, John Irving, Owen Meany, Owen Johnny, Vietnam Owen, Christ Owen, Sagamore Wheelwright's, John Irving's, owen meany, john irving, johnny wheelwright, christ figure, faith god, owen meany's, john irving's, mary magdalene, owen meany christ, meany christ, enrolled university hampshire, reader able, prestigious boys' preparatory, dark times owen, boys' preparatory school,
Approximate Word count = 1695
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)