John Irving utilizes the character Owen Meany to demonstrate how Owen is God’s instrument throughout the novel, A Prayer for Owen Meany. Owen’s engagements demonstrate just how strangely spectacular he is, and how fate seems to always play a part in his actions and mind.
The first incident involving Owen occurs when he and Johnny are playing football with Sagamore, Mr. Fish’s dog. It starts out just like any other regular game of catch until Owen kicks the ball clear out towards Front Street. Not only was the direction of the ball irregular, but Mr. Fish was shocked by Owen Meany’s strength, and “was impressed by the unusual power of Owen Meany’s kick…” (179). Owen doesn’t believe in coincidence, and it’s the first impression of fate that is revealed through him. This is a display of God’s control over Owen, even though Owen doesn’t state that it is. In the beginning of the novel, Owen states he believes he is God’s instrument, but he doesn’t actually come to this realization until later in his life. Because this event was relatively early in Owen’s life, Owen doesn’t disclose that this is a message from God, possibly because he isn’t aware of his purpose yet. This …show more content…
This is the most outright display of Owen’s hands being exploited for a more divine purpose, deeper than just an unlucky chance. This is when Owen realizes his life is being used for God’s purposes. “GOD HAS TAKEN YOUR MOTHER. MY HANDS WERE THE INSTRUMENT. GOD HAS TAKEN MY HANDS. I AM GOD’S INSTRUMENT” (87). Johnny also states on this page that more proof and examples of how Owen has a divine purpose will be revealed throughout the novel. Introducing this concept early in the novel is important because it ingrains the concept of Owen’s purpose as God’s instrument in the readers. Now, everything that Owen does will allow the readers to understand that a much greater motive is at play than what meets the