Understanding A Prayer For Owen Meany

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Understanding A Prayer for Owen Meany from varied perspectives allows readers to garner a greater comprehension of the text. A Prayer for Owen Meany borrows quite heavily from the Bible. Biblical influences are quite complex, as many sects of Christianity are discussed. Overall, the story of Jesus is the most prominent, with Owen serving as our Christ (Foster). Several other religious anecdotes are also used. Most of these stories are related to the initial Christ story prevailing throughout the novel. Moreover, with repeating weather patterns during certain times of the year and before certain events, the weather is often omniscient and indicates something, either a rebirth or a death, change, or generally something not too favorable (It's …show more content…

In A Prayer for Owen Meany, and all his other novels, John Irving names the protagonists Johnny. In this case, it's Johnny Wheelwright. Irving's upbringing is essentially revamped in this novel, as it takes place in childhood home and follows his life almost exactly, with the exception of an Owen Meany. Even towards the end of the novel, where Johnny’s life continues to parallel Irving's biological life experiences (DiYanni). Next, understanding Irving's psychological influences is key. In the novel, he portrays his life in an alternate scenario. His mother is killed by his best friend, which could represent some unconscious resentment for his mother. Moreover, he chooses celibacy and dedicates himself to his English career as a teacher. Was he possibly exploring how his life might have turned out if he repressed his innate sexual urges or chose a different career path (DiYanni)? Lastly, the mythological perspective of literature is frequently utilized. Numerous Christian sects play major roles within Irving’s novel. Even the protagonist switches faith three times, initially being a Congregationalist, then an Episcopalian, and eventually an Anglican. Additionally, Owen Meany was initially a Catholic, but converted to an Episcopalian. The constant representations of Christian doctrines such as nativity, Mary Magdalene, and Owen's Christ-like figure continue to illustrate the influence of religion on this novel

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