The Gift is Fate

“Do not be afraid; our fate cannot be taken from us; it is a gift” 

-Dante Alighieri, Inferno

Fate has many titles, but inevitably has the same meaning. It is defined as the development of events beyond a person’s control, determined by a supernatural power. Faith tends to be the common supernatural that is used to rationalize one’s fate. In John Irving’s novel A Prayer for Owen Meany, Owen believes that through his faith God has given him a gift that will lead him to his dream. 

After the tragic death of Tabitha Wheelwright, John’s mother, Owen claimed he is “GOD’S INSTRUMENT” (87). He began to explore his proclamation during the Christmas of ’53. Due to his small stature he was cast as Baby Jesus in the annual Christmas Pageant, and due to his unique voice he was cast as the ghost of Christmas yet to come. The role of the ghost led him to see a vision; his own tombstone rather than Scrooge’s. This horrifying vision terrified him, but everybody told him it was just a dream.

Throughout highschool Owen continued to unveil what his fate. During his first semester at Gravesend academy Owen began to explore and find his “VOICE” by writing a column in the school newspaper The Grave. He also picked up the hobby a shooting basketball. He became so obsessed with basketball, he was determined to make a slam dunk in under 3 seconds.  

The story comes full circle when John and Owen were in Phoenix’s airport. The two became sidetracked with helping young Vietnamese children to the restroom. Everything changed when Dick Jarvits threw a grenade in the room. This is when the countless hours of practicing “The Shot” became crucial in everyone’s survival. John easily hoisted Owen up towards the window where the children cannot be harmed.

 Owens dream then became reality. 
I thought that Dante Alighieri’s quotation from Inferno was a perfect fit for describing Owen Meany’s outlook on life. Growing up he knew that his unique speech was a gift. He knew that he had a purpose, that he intended to fulfill by having faith. “I KNOW THAT I AM GOD’S INSTRUMENT. I KNOW WHEN I’M GOING TO DIE… I’M GOING TO BE A HERO! I TRUST THAT GOD WILL HELP ME” (416).