Friendship In John Irving's A Prayer For Owen Meany

Friendship is often a common theme in novels. However, there is something undoubtedly special about the relationship between John Irving’s characters in A Prayer for Owen Meany. Owen Meany and John Wheelwright, two unlikely friends, share a brotherly bond as they stand by each other through awkward teenage years, grief and personal struggle, and, ultimately, one’s own heroic death. Booklist is accurate in their claim that A Prayer for Own Meany leaves readers both amused and tearful due to the emotional attachment the audience builds with Irving’s characters during 600 pages of undeniable love and friendship.
Irving’s idiosyncratic characters win the hearts of his readers. Owen Meany and Johnny Wheelwright appeal to the emotions of their audience because of their quirky, unique personalities. Owen, a small, fox-like boy, is unforgettable for his translucent skin and screeching voice. In comparison, Johnny is sensitive and loyal; yet, he’s strong minded and critical of those against his beliefs. Johnny and Owen form a surprising friendship and are inseparable for

a majority of the novel. The unlikely bond between the small and the big, the intelligent and the struggling, and the loud and the quiet, engage readers in the amusing journey of two young boys.
Booklist insists that Irving’s ‘wondrous’ novel is “ultimately beguiling in its soulful account of remarkable friendship”. Johnny and Owen share an unwavering love through times of sadness and struggle. Although Owen took the life of Johnny’s mother Tabby, he was the person Johnny needed the most for support during periods of grief and desperation for the identity of his father. Not to mention, Owen promised Tabby he’s always be there for Johnny. One things for certain, Owen Meany does not break promises—especially to the beloved Tabby. Johnny and Owen’s friendship is a story of sacrifice. Owen was willing to surrender a higher education to go to the University of New Hampshire with his best friend, who was academically dependent on him. After all, Owen was the one who taught Johnny to read and write. In addition, Owen was willing to sacrifice Johnny’s finger to keep him out of the Vietnam War and attempt to save his life. A teenager’s ability to be selfless and abandon their own wants and needs for their best friend is truly astounding. Owen and Johnny’s friendship and overwhelming love is nothing less than remarkable and sure to leave readers both amused and tearful.
As readers grow fond of Owen and Johnny’s beloved friendship, the unusual scenes leave them with heartache and humor.

Some may argue that the way Irving portrays faith and predestination through Owen is outlandish. The situations the characters find themselves in may seem unbelievable to life in the twenty-first century. However, it is valid to say that the “weirdly ridiculous yet realistic” (Booklist) scenes of the novel grab the readers’ attention and immerse them deeper into the friendship they’ve grown to love. For example, Owen, swaddled as the baby Jesus in the Wiggins Christmas pageant, is sure to leave readers smiling. Likewise, Owen’s heroic death with his best friend by his side pulls at the heart strings of the audience, leaving them in tears. The unconventional scenes of Irving’s masterpiece exemplifies the amazing bond of the characters and leaves the readers engaged in amusement and

sorrow.
A Prayer for Owen Meany is a wonderful story of two amazing friends in a quiet New Hampshire town. Irving skillfully develops unique characters and puts them in unusual situations, putting their friendship to the test and, ultimately, strengthening it. Readers leave with wisdom through lessons of morality and Owen’s passionate morals. Readers leave with tears of sorrow for the death of a character they’ve fallen in love with. Readers leave with amusement in scenes that test the abilities of teenage boys. Readers leave with desire to find a friendship and undeniable love like Johnny and Owen’s.