"Owen Meany" Symbolism Trivia Quiz

Answer: Thomas Hardy

John Irving uses Thomas Hardy because Hardy often wrote books and poems dealing with the theme of predestination and theme. Irving also often writes about these themes, and they play such a huge part in Owen's life. It is only sensible that Irving chooses an author with such similarity to himself.

Answer: Gravesend

Irving uses Gravesend because the name can be broken up into two separate names. "Graves end" deals with the theme of death, and also deals with the theme of religion and the afterlife. The other version of the name, "Grave send", deals with the question of Owen Meany being a Christ figure, being sent from the grave.

Answer: Owen's drawing of the armless woman.

All of the following except Owen's made-up drawing are foreshadows to Owen's ultimate death, where Owen becomes armless.

Answer: They both married the same woman.

As you all know, Dickens and Irving were born a few hundred years apart. Both authors share a love for using obvious names as traits. One example of Irving's use of this is Barb Wiggins, who acts much like a barb in Owen's side. There are quite a few examples of this in Irving's writings, and a few hundred in Dicken's multiple novels.

Answer: They are themes in the book.

Faith and fate play big parts in Owen's life, as evident in the book. Johnny bounces around from religion to religion, never really believing until he loses Owen. Owen believes so much in fate, as shown in his strict belief in his dream.

Answer: The Ghost of the Past

Owen plays the Ghost of the Future, not the Ghost of the Past. In The Voice, the reader learns why Owen's voice never changes. The Shot is the last chapter where Owen and Johnny execute their last perfect shot together. In The Angel, Owen claims he sees the Angel of Death hovering over Tabby.

Answer: "I am doomed to remember a boy with a wrecked voice-not because of his voice... or even because he was the instrument of my mother's death, but because he is the reason I believe in God; I am a Christian because of Owen Meany."

Although the quote about your memory is my favorite, the first sentence, which also sets the tone for the novel, is about Owen Meany and faith. This theme continues throughout the whole novel, as said before.

Answer: "O God - please give him back. I shall keep on asking You."

It is interesting how Johnny starts the book and ends the book mentioning faith and Owen. He mentions that Owen is his cause of converting to Christianity.

Answer: Doubt

Owen takes this saying from Rev. Merril, who also testifies that faith takes doubt.

Answer: George Bush

John Irving's main theme is faith, which is mentioned above many times. Johnny mentions faith at the beginning and the end of his novel, and there are many, many times Owen reflects on his faith. Johnny also reflects on his faith, but never even thinks of George Bush. George Bush wasn't even around when Irving published the book, but Reagan was.