A Prayer for Owen Meany EssaySymbolism and irony are often used by authors to increase depth and enchant the reader to think deeper about the book. In A Prayer for Owen Meany, John Irving uses both of these literary devices to make the book more interesting and profound. Using symbolism, Irving can represent a significant idea or theme in the story with an object or person, while irony is a paradoxical event that adds depth to the work. Irving's use of irony with one of the main characters, Owen Meany, and his use of the symbolic name Hester to connect a similar situation to the famous novel, The Scarlet Letter, are significant literary devices that make the plot more philosophical . Owen's irony juxtaposes his religious beliefs with his non-religious upbringing, while the use of the name Hester alludes to many of the themes of The Scarlet Letter to A Prayer for Owen Meany. Throughout the book, Owen's religious beliefs and pious behaviors portray irony in contrast to his parents. secular beliefs and develop a feeling of divine uncertainty in Owen for the readers. Owen is the most religious person in the book, as the narrator John even claims to be Christian because of Owen. Owen demonstrates his religious enthusiasm when he often repeats verses from the Bible. After Sagamore, the dog, is hit by a diaper truck, Owen is forced to recite the verse from John 11:25: “I am the resurrection and the life, says the Lord; Whoever believes in me, even if he were dead, will live; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (pg.181) Once again, when he is displeased with the directors of his work, he recites from Luke 23:34 "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (pg.151)...... middle of paper......prick. The irony of Owen's piety and secular upbringing elevates him to a divine authority and suggests subtle similarities to Jesus Christ. It also foreshadows his possible martyrdom and may lead to a relatable ending in which Owen dies in a hero's death. The symbolism of the name Hester from The Scarlet Letter refers to both Tabby and Hester Eastman. This symbolism is especially valuable because it allows us to see both characters in contrast to the important Hester Prynne. It helps us look at Tabby Wheelwright's adventure and red dress from another point of view, and can also foreshadow Hester's impending punishment for her promiscuity. Overall, Irving has done a great job of integrating both irony and symbolism into A Prayer for Owen Meany, and the subtle rather than direct use of these literary devices makes the novel more philosophical and open-ended..