Summary:
Analyzes themes and symbols contained in the novel A Prayer for Owen Meany, by American author John Irving. Focuses on the themes of faith and destiny. Provides a brief plot summary.
Throughout the novel a couple of themes present itself to the eyes of the reader while reading this book. One theme that comes to mind is the constant theme of the relationship of faith and fate. The idea that believing in God in a world where all faith is lost and no miracles happen proves to be almost doubtful. But, as the story unfolds, you begin to realize that the "special purpose" each person holds can only be told by the direction in which God decides. In this scene, Owen Meany is on stage enacting the ghost of the future yet to come when Owen approaches the gravestone and faints. He later awakens just as the curtains fall only to realize the name he read on the gravestone was his own. Scared out of his mind, he has been given a glimpse into his future. For, as did the others of the novel, Mr. Fish's dog Sagamore, John's Mother, Lydia, John's grandmother, and later on Owen's mom all soon became nothing but the image of what the used to be as they all became symbols of things foreshadowed to die. Mr. Fish used to play with Owen and John because he had no kids or grandkids of his own. So, to make up for it he taught the boys how to play football. Well, as a part of fate and the beginning of many deaths, Owen Meany kicked the ball and for once, successfully hit the ball far enough to make Mr. Fish shine with glee; only to notice that when Sagamore went to go chase after the ball, a diaper truck had gotten in the way and Sagamore was no more. At the dog's funeral the pastor was at a loss for words and Owen had delivered the speech. Stating, "'I AM THE RESSERECTION AND THE LIFE, SAITH THE LORD: HE THAT BELIEVETH IN ME, THOUGH HE WERE DEAD, YET SHALL HE LIVE; AND WHOSOEVER LIVETH AND BELIVETH IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE'" (Pg. 181). Unfortunately for the town and the many the others that followed, those who lost their faith became ill willed or worse, suffered a fate only destiny could predict. This death signified symbolism with the start of the supernatural phenomenon's that struck the town.
For, as Owen Meany became the instrument of death for the dog, he was also the instrument of God in taking away the life of a woman by the name of Tabitha Wheelwright who unfortunately suffered the fate of a baseball. But was this an accident of fate or was it faith or lack there of. For, at the end of the novel, Rev. Mr. Merrill revealed in the ending scenes of the book his fraternity to his son, John, who in the end restored his faith. But, was it really the death of Mrs. Tabby Wheelwright that caused his lack of faith. The Reverend believes it so as for it was what he wished for, but maybe it was his fate. That she was destined to die. Owen Meany believed that there are no such things as coincidences and that fate is the ultimate justification. Meany states, "'IT'S NOT THAT I WANT TO GO TO VIETNAM- IT'S WHERE I HAVE TO GO. IT'S WHERE I'M A HERO. I'VE GOT TO BE THERE,' he said. 'Tell him how you know this...THE WAY YOU KNOW SOME THINGS- YOUR OBLIGATIONS, YOUR DESTINY OR YOUR FATE,' he said. 'THE WAY YOU KNOW WHAT GOD WANTS YOU TO DO'" (471). Thus, the belief that God and faith through Owen would therefore lead John to his one specific and special purpose in life- to find out who his father is would ensure his faith. But, John who goes through the whole entire novel trying to figure out what religion to follow and who is dad is should have been trusting faith from the beginning and believing in fate. For, it was too many people in this novel that had lost faith. Grandma wheelwright and her loss of faith after Lydia died and her adamant eyes stuck to the TV screen, which in return foreshadowed her death. And, maybe Owen himself, who had so much confidence in John to be able to believe in faith rather fate that Owen too would become a victim of circumstances. Which makes us think, what is it that truly does entail a story of religion and fate, are they linked, or is it two sides of the fence we'll never know? But, one thing is for sure, the belief that if faith is lost, fate will not be so kind.
This is the complete article, containing 769 words
(approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page).
