Owen Meany is the quintessential example of big things come in small packages. Despite his diminuitive, almost helpless demeanor, Owen does not let this faze him from voicing his ideas on topics, religion being the most important to him. In your answer, analyze how Owen conveys his opinions and perspective on religion to the world. Do you believe people take him seriously? Why or why not?
-McLeod, Kelsie, Tyler
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ReplyDeleteOwen Meany believed his purpose in life was to be “God’s instrument.” He knew his diminutive voice, small physique, and the death John’s mother were all purposeful acts as part of God’s master plan of existence. Believing that God is working through his actions, Owen Meany expresses his strong faith throughout the novel, but does not exhibit Christ-like qualities. Smoking, swearing, and even denouncing Catholics, Owen appears more like a rebel, yet has a way of persuasion in displaying his religion.
ReplyDeleteOwen thought every object that appeared in his life had an alternate meaning. He took the claws out of John’s favorite armadillo to represent the idea of “God taking [his] hands” after killing his mother with the baseball, and acquired her “shy, dressmaker’s dummy” in the red “unloved dress” because he “[foresaw] that even the unwanted dress would have a use.” John began to realize the religious sophistication of Owen’s speech after their annual play of “A Christmas Carol.” After Owen “saw [his] name-on the grave,” he believed that God wanted him to know the date of his death because it would fulfill a purpose that was currently vague to him. He felt that God had assigned him a role “that he was powerless to change,” and that his “own destiny” was determined by the idea that “he was on a mission.”
Owen, even though small, conveyed powerful messages to everyone around him. He explains to John that even though “I can’t see [God]; I absolutely know he’s there!” He strengthens John’s faith and even changes Pastor Merrill’s, the local minister, opinion on miracles after momentarily having no control over his body and revealing the “death instrument” of John’s mother, then confessing his deepest secret of being John’s father. John later recalls that “Owen promised that God” would reveal who his “father was.” Initially most people do not believe that Owen is “God’s instrument” because of his non-Christian-like qualities; however, as the novel progresses, Owen proves his faith through his influential dialogue. When any character has doubt, specifically John, he uses the word of God to reassure his friend that everything happens for a reason, whether through the realization of his father or death of his mother. Even as Owen is dying, he relies on his religion to inspire others. Lying armless he whispers, “Whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die.” Even though physically vulnerable his utterances reveal his inner strength achieved by his belief in God. This internal religious power creates Owen Meany’s influential disposition over most of the characters in the novel.
Although short in stature and high in voice, Owen Meany functioned as not only an “instrument of God”, but also as his mouthpiece (87). John even says a quote from Jeremiah, “I appointed you a prophet to the nations”, “reminded [him] of Owen” (83). Throughout the novel, Irving draws countless allusions to ancients of the Bible and thrusts their characteristics upon Owen. No prophet is ever born into circumstances of normalcy. Take John the Baptist, whose father was struck dumb by an angel when he refused to believe that his wife would bear a child in her old age, or Isaiah, who was nearly sacrificed before he became a teenager! Further, Owen’s extraordinary traits allow him to attract attention to himself, and thus convey his religious messages. In fact, John “thought it was a miracle: how little he weighed”, marveled at Owen’s “translucent skin”, and, along with the rest of the town, could not resist the “vocal cords” that “had not fully developed” (2,3). These strange traits place Owen above the register of his friends, classmates, and even town as a herald and relayer of God’s word. Through capitalized text, we see the infecting ability Owen’s words possessed on the ears of the listeners. For instance, in the Christmas Pageant, he completely changes the schematics to include himself as the “little Lord Jesus, who was so perfect for the part” (165). Owen’s tactics in religious conversation and moral point of view even earn him the position and title of “THE VOICE” (289). As the voice, his view, “PUBLISHED IN CAPITAL LETTERS”, spoke and indoctrinated the entire student body, as well as the surrounding town (289). Doubtlessly, people took him seriously when he succeeded in changing the school’s curriculum and the hiring of Pastor Merrill. Owen does not stop at words however; his actions and symbolic gestures further his religious messages. The armless Mary Magdalene, the car, the mannequin, and a host of other objects all eventually come together to not only convince John of God’s existence, but restore Pastor Merrill’s faith too. And much like a prophet, Owen’s visions sometimes face huge rejection. “I tell you in solemn truth," He added, "that no Prophet is welcomed among his own people.” (Luke 4:24). Much like the prophets of the Old and New Testaments, Owen Meany never gained the belief of John or Hester in the vision of his martyrdom until after he saved the life of those helpless children, much like Jesus Christ, or any saint.
ReplyDeleteConveying a belief or opinion to the world can be difficult for any person including legislators and pastors who are supposed to be excellent in this field of public speaking. Because he has a young, childish body with a “rare voice,” (71) Owen is difficult to believe upon your initial introduction to him. Overcoming first impressions rapidly, Owen’s rhetoric is on a level with that of Mr. Merrill and the well-educated members of the Gravesend community. Because the diction and syntax Owen uses it is easy for people to overcome Owen’s motionless vocal cords and focus on what he is saying. Through simply believing in God and reasoning through things with a more biblical mind than John, Owen is able to convey his take on religion to the world. Owen is blunt about religion and knows that “BELIEF IS NOT AN INTELLECTUAL MATTER” (108). He is also aware that John has trouble accepting everything that he accepts because Owen acknowledges, “A PERSON’S FAITH GOES AT ITS OWN PACE” (32). However, Owen can get quite testy when it comes to religion. Because he takes the Bible as it is, he therefore criticizes: “WHO KNOWS WHAT GOD THINKS OF CURRENT EVENTS?” (32) when the service attempts to relate present day to the bible. Because Owen believes so strongly he can be critical of Pastor Merrill and believes that “IF HE’S GOT SO MUCH DOUBT, THEN HE’S IN THE WRONG BUSINESS” (108). By explaining everything logically Owen makes it easy for other to believe and therefore attempts to enlighten others.
ReplyDeleteOwen “was the color of a gravestone; light was both absorbed and reflected by his skin…so that he appeared translucent at times” (3). “His vocal cords had no developed fully, or else is voice had been injured by rock dust of his family’s business” (3). During church, all the boys and even some of the girls “would pick up Owen Meany and pass him back and forth, overhead” (3). Owen would scream, “CUT IT OUT! I DON’T WANT TO DO THIS ANYMORE” (5). Yet, the others would continue to pass “him around and around” (5).
ReplyDeleteBecause of Owen’s tiny size, people take advantage of him, clearly seen at church. His eccentric appearance makes him a comical character, however, his thoughts on religion are heard and make him a Christ-like figure because he instills faith within people that surround him. Despite Owen’s small size, he transforms the life of Johnny Wheelwright. Johnny claims, “I am a Christian because of Own Meany” (1). Throughout the frame story, Owen shares reassuring thoughts with Johnny about things Johnny is unsure about such as the existence of his father. Johnny continuously questions where his father is because his mother never talks about him. Owen assures Johnny that one day he will get to see his father as he explains, “YOUR DAD CAN HIDE FROM YOU….BUT HE CAN’T HIDE FROM GOD” (10). Despite Owen’s partially working vocal cords, he awakens the faith in Johnny that God will reunite Johnny with his father. Owen has complete faith in God and whatever God will do has a much bigger purpose that may not be clear now, but it will be in the future. He gives Johnny such powerful thoughts at times when Johnny faces dilemmas and these comforting thoughts calm Johnny and reawaken the faith he has on God.
Owen conveys his thoughts about religion at times when there are problems in Johnny’s life or at times when Johnny is facing inner conflicts. Owen loves Johnny’s mother almost even more than Johnny loves her. Instead of mourning for a month when Johnny’s mother passes away, Owen tells Johnny, “GOD HAS TAKEN YOUR MOTHER. MY HANDS WERE THE INSTRUMENT. GOD HAS TAKEN MY HANDS. I AM GOD’S INSTRUMENT” (87). When Owen says this, Johnny instantly thinks, “how could…a fellow eleven-year-old was thinking such a thing” (87). If a child that has lost his mother and does not know about the existence of his father, then the child would question the existence of God because if a God did exist, then God would not have been so cruel. However, Owen explains that he is now “GOD’S INSTRUMENT” and he will take care of Johnny. Owen’s words are very deep for Johnny to understand but they assure Johnny that the death of his mother was for a bigger purpose “as you shall see” (87). Owen has full faith in God whereas Johnny develops this faith after staying with Owen.
The fact that Johnny remains a Christian, after facing so many tragedies, because of Owen Meany shows the depth and strength of the words Owen said and how people did take what he said seriously. Irving portrays Johnny as the stereotypical eleven year old boy who serves as a foil to Owen because this furthers Owen’s image as the Christ-like figure as he instills faith in society. Owen feels that “God’s reasoning was somehow predetermining Owen’s every move” (87). Even though Owen is a “small package”, his deep, powerful thoughts make his voice negligible. Owen has a rebellious side to him, which shows that he, too, holds qualities of the typical eleven year old boy. However, his religious messages depict his intellectual maturity.
“He is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany. I make no claims to have a life in Christ, or with Christ—and certainly not for Christ, which I've heard some zealots claim” (5). John impresses this statement upon us when we first meet him on the first page of A Prayer for Owen Meany. It is evident at once that Owen Meany is an epic character that influenced the world around him greatly. Owen had many quirks and irregularities that called attention to him giving him a platform to be heard. Small and rodent-like, his odd appearance somehow compelled people to reach out and pet him. When he spoke, it was always a capital SHOUT, as if to command heedfulness. He also had a distinct voice: “To be heard at all, Owen had to shout through his nose” (7). Without even saying anything profound, these qualities set Owen apart, highlighting his very being. Owen believes he is “God’s instrument.” As God’s tool, he aids in executing the plans of the divine, as when Owen kills John’s mother. Every motion he sets into play eventually comes together for a higher purpose, and he intends to make John understand this. Based on the opening of A Prayer for Owen Meany, he is successful. Acting as a Christ figure to save John’s soul, Owen sacrifices himself. An extension of God himself, Owen performs many venerable and strategic acts to help John, such as helping him avoid the draft by cutting his trigger finger. It as if he is saying, any who choose to follow him will not be lead astray. It could even be interpreted that Owen’s rebellious acts prove that humans are inevitably flawed, yet they can find redemption in the Creator. He says, “WHOEVER LIVETH AND BELIEVETH IN ME SHALL NEVER DIE” (615). An impressionable statement, he uses his voice to influence John asserting once again that he is a Christ figure. A devoted friend and believer, he does what God asks of him in the pursuit of faith.
ReplyDeleteGandhi brought independence to India just as Owen Meany brought the belief in God into the life of John Wheelwright. From the beginning, Owen is introduced as an anomaly to humankind with his “wrecked voice”, small stature, and skin that “ light was both absorbed and reflected” so that “he appeared translucent at times” (3). However, his unusual physical appearance is a paradox to his bold personality. Owen believes that he is “GOD’S INSTRUMENT” so that “God’ s reasoning was somehow predetermining [his] every move” (87). Ever since then John believes in “the ‘special purpose’ or certain events or specific things” (83), including the higher meaning of the untimely death of his mother. Owen’s profound message of his role in the world is seen throughout the novel as he tries to enlighten John on different facets of life including the Vietnam War. John narrates the entire war through Owen’s keen insight, such as after the Tonkin Gulf Resolution to which Owen believes, “THERE’S NO END TO THIS. THERE’S NO GOOD WAY TO END IT” (91). Owen’s comments on the war are in sync with the reality of the gruesome outcomes in Vietnam. Furthermore, Owen’s opinions on religion are clearly stated such as when he states, “WHAT DOES THE STUPID SERMON HAVE TO DO WITH GOD?” (23). His remarks on religion create a moment of speculation as he proves that this practice for a “MASS AUDIENCE” only interferes with the individual connection between God and a person. John Irving’s novel Owen Meany serves to document the profound effect Owen had on John and other characters from the novel through his wisdom of the world to his role as “GOD’S INSTRUMENT”(87).
ReplyDeleteOwen Meany is a modern day Christ. Like Christ, Owen is born into a religion that is eventually surpassed (Judaism and Catholicism respectively), both are outstanding tools of God, and both sacrifice to save others. Unlike Christ, however, Owen is notably human. Whereas Christ is without sin, Owen is constantly rebelling, drinking, swearing, and smoking, this doesn’t invalidate Owen’s message though, instead it makes it more relatable by showing that mistakes can be made and people don’t have to be the so called perfect Christian. Throughout the novel Owen also has many deep dialogues that serve to comfort those around him and strengthen their faith. Owen’s voice, which one would think the biggest obstacle to his goals, actually serves them better. Owen is perceived as cute and adorable and that people can’t stay mad at him, this helps him spread his beliefs and people will actually listen to him instead of getting angry like most do when confronted by a religious zealot, his voice is also memorable, even John’s grandmother remembers what he had said years after he said it and her memory had started to go.
ReplyDeleteIn a world that always seemed bigger than himself, Owen Meany defined his character by his beliefs. Owen, who is a hedonist, promotes himself and his beliefs regarding religion with strong self-assurance. The reoccurring theme of self-fulfillment is extrapolated on through Owen’s behavior regarding defending his religion. Upon discussing religion with John Owen claims, “WELL, NOW YOU KNOW HOW I FEEL ABOUT GOD," said Owen Meany. "I CAN'T SEE HIM—BUT I ABSOLUTELY KNOW HE IS THERE!" Not only is Owen’s assurance a powerful one, but his speech typed in caps only displays Owen’s confidence. I believe that people would in fact listen to Owen because of his striking demeanor. His size and voice are both equally striking. When this is accompanied with his strong beliefs, people would both respect and listen to what he has to say.
ReplyDeleteMagnificent job everyone! I love the ample use of quotes throughout every blog! Keep up the good work! ☺
ReplyDeleteCaroline: Your analysis was very in depth. I liked how you thoroughly weaved quotes to support your ideas!!
Bracey: The incorporation of your own knowledge of Christianity into the blog was perfect! It added to your overall evaluation of Owen.
Lauren: Short and sweet! I like how you touched on how Owen grew from being less than influential and then concluded with details supporting the idea that he was enlightening in the end.
Prutha: Your blog was elaborate and very explicit. The use of an array of quotes helped develop your blog in an extensive way!
Owen Meany believes that he acts as God’s instrument. This personal belief is what drives Owen’s actions. He is the one that makes John believe in God. All the events that take place cause John to think of Owen as “something of a messiah.” Owen is like the sacrificial lamb. People do take Owen seriously. Regardless of size, what is important is the message that is trying to be delivered. He meant well, and knowingly had a purpose behind his actions. Those whose lives he was involved in were able to sense the vibe of his doings; therefore impacting their lives. It clearly states that “John is a Christian” because of Owen Meany. The story is told through John’s prospective in order to further express this statement. John is able to explain the greatness of Owen’s doings and how they literally changed his life.
ReplyDeleteGreat things do come in small packages, as great minds can come in small bodies. Owen Meany's loud, powerful, and domineering personality attributes to his credibility as an influence. Owen's very strong religious opinions begin at a young age, which I believe mesmerizes those around him. His intuitive and powerful opinions give reason to the purpose of life through God, as "he had established himself as a prophet-disquietingly, it was [their] future he seemed to know something about... Once, he thought, he had seen into [John’s] mother's future; he had even become an instrument... God would tell [John] who [his] father was, Owen Meany had assured [him]; but, so far, God had been silent" (201). Even when John finds it hard to believe Owen, he still holds his faith and trust in that instrument that Owen holds to his hard; that he can connect to God. Owen may not be taken seriously when one uses just eyes and not ears; however, when wise words spill from Owen Meany's tiny diaphragm, the beckoning question arises, "WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO REFER TO [HIM] AS 'LITTLE,' AS 'DIMINUTIVE,' AS 'MINIATURE'?" (202) Because Owen's greatest effect is on John, all that matters is that John sees past Owen Meany's peculiar appearance and understands and trusts his perspective on the future and God's connection to the future's fate.
ReplyDeleteOwen’s disciples are drawn to him in part because of his eccentricities. His symbolically angelic luminescent skin and nasal voice set him apart in physical appearance, drawing attention to the words he utters. His classmates at Gravesend Academy refer to him as “The Voice” because his essays in the school publication receive a large following and people view him as an “instrument of God” (87) and also a spokesperson. His words are featured in all capitals, demanding the attention of the reader similarly to the other characters. At a young age, Owen has the vision of an angle during sickness. This experience is more than a glimpse into the supernatural because it establishes early on in the novel Owen’s belief in divine destiny and his interference with it, thus resulting in John’s mother’s death. He refuses to take voice therapy because he sees himself as fated to have this voice. Furthermore he dislikes Catholicism because his own ideology conflicts with certain aspects of the religion. He fears nuns, a further defiance of established religion that sets him apart and enables him to formulate his own theological opinions. One instance of others harkening to these ideas is during the Christmas pageant when Owen argues the crib for Jesus should be removed from the manger scene because “...no crib for a bed...” in the bible implies that such a prop would be nonexistent. Most children in his circumstance would not think to defy authority, but instead Owen transcend above the average individual and is not only listened to, but also followed. Owen is a naturally likeable person who instills faith in those who surround him, whether they agree or disagree with his opinions, they always listen. John even attributes his Christianity to being “...because of Owen Meaning” (1). Owen is the small Christ figure thrust into adulthood at an early age, with a voice heard with the same power as the capital words in his publications.
ReplyDelete@Cassie-Wonderful analysis! Your stance on the importance and reverence that Owen receives is on point. The quote you offered offered excellent support to why his strong, powerful voice overrides his diminutive size.
ReplyDelete@Taylor-You offered plenty of evidence to support your claim. Owen not only believed that he served a higher purpose but also it was great that you pointed out that others (such as John) believed the same thing.
@Kelsey S.-The interesting hook caught me from the start! You made a solid assertion in that being heard and having a powerful voice has nothing to do with the size of the actual person. Great Job!
@Alexander-The textual evidence that bolstered the idea that Owen was respected and heard by his peers is overwhelming. You offered plenty of textual evidence, including Owen’s use of all capital letters to emphasize his powerful voice.
Anna Cait - Superb examples of Owen's ability to get his point across in an unorthodox way. Your analysis of the trigger finger incident was specifically well put.
ReplyDeleteTasha - Nice comparison between Owen and Gandhi as "Christ-like" characters. They both spoke for the same message, to advance their religious views, and went to drastic measures to express them.
Ryan - Good analysis of how Owen uses his personal traits (extremely high voice, small stature) and other's constant affection for him (peoples' inability to keep their hands off of him to advance his message.