A Prayer for Owen Meany

Owen Meany’s firm belief that the future is pre-determined is a defining feature of his character. When he views his name and date of death on the prop headstone in A Christmas Carol, he does not doubt that this date is accurately announcing the day of his death. This—coupled with the recurring dream Owen has in which he watches himself die while saving Vietnamese children—cements the truth of this destiny in Owen’s mind. It is likely, too, that Mr. and Mrs. Meany’s insistence that Owen was not conceived through sex but born of a virgin birth—like Christ—leads Owen to believe that he is unique to God and chosen for some special sacrifice, much like Christ. Owen’s belief that such events will take place leads him to the certainty that it is futile to attempt to change or prevent their occurrence.

Despite his certainty, he in fact takes steps to ensure that his destiny is carried out, thus exercising some degree of human agency. For instance, he requests a service post in active combat, then asks John to visit him in Phoenix on the date of his death when the dream reveals that John is present for the event. The endless practicing of

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