Foreshadowing and Irony in A Prayer for Owen Meany

    In John Irving's A Prayer for Owen Meany, Irving uses the literary devices of foreshadowing and irony to link past events to the death and periods following the death of Johnny's mother, Tabitha Wheelwright. There are many instances where Irving uses phrases or descriptions to insinuate the impending demise of Johnny's mother and her funeral. The way that Irving juxtaposes these scenes is ironic because specifically when talking about Tabitha Wheelwright's wedding he foreshadows her death. So, in turn when it is supposed to be the happiest moment of her life, besides the birth of Johnny, the readers are remembering her death that is soon to follow.
     When describing the wardrobe of Owen Meany at Tabitha Wheelwright's wedding, Simon, Johnny's cousin tells Owen that his suit "[looks] like [he's] at a funeral"(Irving 122). This statement made by Simon is not only foreshadowing the death of Tabitha Wheelwright and the funeral that is to come, but also the fact that it is Owen who is said to be dressed for a funeral is ironic because Owen's foul ball is the reason for Tabitha's death. So, while everyone is celebrating the union of Tabitha Wheelwright and Dan Needham, the readers are reminded by Owen Meany specifically that Tabitha's happy life will be cut short by a freak accident.
    Not only did Owen Meany's wardrobe foreshadow the funeral of Tabitha Wheelwright, but also his gift for the bride and groom was death-like. Owen Meany gave Tabitha and Dan a piece of granite with their wedding date engraved in it. This gift as Johnny described it "looked like a tombstone for a cherished pet"(125). In a way Owen gave her a tombstone for the death that he would later cause, thus foreshadowing the foul ball that killed her. While the gift that Owen Meany gave Tabitha and Dan was heartfelt and meaningful it still reminds the readers that Tabitha will die, however at this point in the plot Tabitha is unaware of her demise.
   Irving also used the literary device of irony and foreshadowing when he used the quote from the bible, "That she and I may grow old together"(127). This quote is not only ironic because Owen Meany's foul ball will cut Tabitha Wheelright's life short , but also because it is said on a day that is supposed to be filled with love and celebration, however to the readers this quote just once again foreshadow's her death. This quote reminds the readers that Dan and Tabitha will not be able to grow old together, but that they will have just a few short years together before she is killed.
   Irving does a great job in foreshadowing the events to come and by doing it in an ironic way. He not only reminds the readers of what is yet to come, but also uses irony to create a sort of humor around these scenes. These are not the only examples of foreshadowing and irony throughout the novel, but these are just some prominent examples that came to mind.