Heroism in a Prayer for Owen Meany

“Heroism: More Than Saving Lives”

When one think of a hero, one might think of someone massive and physically powerful. Usually the word hero, is associated with, the Greek Legend Hercules-who is big in stature and physically strong. In A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, the reader comes to realize that heroes, “come in all different packages,” and that heroism is more than saving a life. A frank young man named Owen Meany- short in stature, yet very strong-willed-does whatever he can to make his dream literally come true. Along with his size, Owen was easily distinguished by his shrill voice. Although people laughed at the sound, he was fond of his voice, and believed it was high-pitched for a reason. “ ‘I DON’T WANT TO HAVE SURGERY, I DON’T NEED ANY EXCERCISES,’ said Owen Meany, ‘IF GOD GAVE ME THIS VOICE, HE HAD A REASON,’ Owen said” (353). Through his life, he believed that he was God‘s instrument, saying, “GOD HAS TAKEN MY HANDS, I AM GOD’S INSTRUMENT” (87). Owen used his voice and many other of his attributes to save lives of innocent children. He also taught faith to others- and touched them in miraculous ways. He was the best friend possible to John Wheelwright, and helped him with any and everything he needed. All this and more made him nothing less of a hero!

In this novel, John Wheelwright, narrator and Owen’s best-friend, foreshadows Owen’s prevailing heroic episode, as well as minor ones. “Owen Meany rescued me. As you shall see, Owen was always rescuing me;” (60). Owen helped John through his high school days, and in Gravesend Academy. Owen gave John, as well as everyone else in the academy, someone to look up to. “Owen Meany had become The Voice: A KIND OF INSTITUTION” (289). Although Owen knew he was going to be a hero, he didn’t want to be. “ I DON’T WANT TO BE A HERO,” said Owen Meany. IT’S NOT THAT I WANT TO BE-IT’S THAT I AM A HERO. I KNOW THAT’S WHAT I’M SUPPOSED TO BE” (471).

When John finds out he is suppose to go into the army, Owen tells him not to report, to stay put, and that he will be there soon. Owen also told him to have courage. Regulations in the army stated that if you missed two joints of your index finger you were physically disqualified to serve. Owen, being part of the granite business, used his diamond wheel to cut off John’s right index finger at the second joint. He then said to him, “JUST THINK OF THIS AS MY LITTLE GIFT TO YOU” (509).

Since he knew the exact date of his death, he put his knowledge to use. “He’d finished his own gravestone more than half a year before he died!” (540). He also knew how he was going to die, and that John was there with him-along with some Vietnamese children. Owen was a Causality Assistance Officer and escorted bodies back home to there families. While he was delivering a body in Arizona, he invited