John Irving’s A Prayer for Owen Meany is a tapestry of postmodern and traditional narrative threads, presenting an intricate story rich with symbolism, irony, and humor. Blending historical realism with fictional intricacies, Irving invites readers into a world where philosophical dialogues on faith, fate, and destiny unfold. The novel, marked by both acclaim and critique, remains a testament to Irving’s storytelling prowess and thematic depth.

Postmodern Style and Traditional Roots

A Prayer for Owen Meany straddles the line between the postmodern and the traditional, weaving a narrative that is both grotesque and comic while delving into profound questions of fate and faith. Drawing on influences from Kurt Vonnegut, Irving injects the narrative with short character biographies that hint at their ironic fates, such as Harry Hoyt’s death by snakebite in Vietnam. The book juxtaposes real historical events and statistics with the fictional lives of its characters, echoing a Vonnegut-esque style.

At the same time, the novel is deeply rooted in the romantic American novel tradition, bearing the weight of New England Calvinism and the themes of predestination. The character John Wheelwright shares a name with a historical Puritan, symbolizing the rebellion and spiritual quest that underpins the story. With elements reminiscent of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Herman Melville, the narrative is steeped in secret sins, fated destinies, and symbolic objects, paralleling works like The Scarlet Letter and Melville’s Billy Budd.

Critical Reception

The critical response to Irving’s novel has been diverse. R. Z. Sheppard’s review in Time praised the novel’s lively characters and narrative, while Newsweek’s Peter S. Prescott was critical, dismissing it as overly saccharine and criticizing its length and lack of charm. William Pritchard found delight in the novel’s comic sequences in his review for the New Republic, though he also questioned the effectiveness of its themes and found the narrator, John, to be less compelling without Owen. Robert Towers, in the New York Review of Books, criticized the book for lacking the depth and humor of Dickens, despite acknowledging Irving’s gift for storytelling.

Thematic Elements and Symbolism

Irving’s narrative is rich with recurring symbolism, particularly the motif of armlessness, which serves as a metaphor for sacrifice and fate. The novel features a seemingly endless stream of armless figures, from the armadillo to the Mary Magdalene statue, culminating in Owen’s own tragic end. Owen Meany emerges as a multifaceted character, embodying roles such as a Christ figure and martyr, his small stature contrasting with his immense spiritual presence.

The novel’s structure is primarily linear, interwoven with reflective insights from Johnny Wheelwright, the narrator, who reminisces about Owen’s impact on his life. This narrative approach allows Irving to explore unresolved mysteries and eventual revelations, from the identity of Johnny’s father to the reasons behind Owen’s peculiarities.

Influences and Style

Irving’s work is a testament to his literary influences, drawing from authors like Dickens, Vonnegut, and Günter Grass. He shares their penchant for vivid imagination and moral exploration, often embracing sentimentality alongside biting wit. The novel juxtaposes tragic scenarios with comedic relief, as seen in scenes like Tabitha Wheelwright’s funeral, where humor and tragedy collide in a uniquely Irving manner.

Irving’s humor is not only a balm but also a narrative tool, weaving through moments of levity such as school pranks and the whimsical nativity play, reinforcing his belief in life’s absurdities and the resilience of the human spirit.

Political Commentary and Social Critique

The novel serves as a vehicle for Irving’s critiques of American policies, particularly during the Vietnam War era. Through Owen’s character, Irving delivers sharp observations on the consequences of war and the broader implications...