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

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