Writers often apply a varying amount of stylistic techniques to their writing in order to achieve a specific purpose or effect. John Irving, the author of A Prayer for Owen Meany, utilizes several different techniques to achieve a distinct sense of style in his novel that sets it apart from others. Through the use of unique dialogue and constant transitions to a narrative told from the present, Irving is able to set apart important characters and foreshadow the conclusion of the novel. Irving’s use of unusual dialogue, especially in regards to the character of Owen Meany, holds significant meaning within the novel. Owen’s dialogue is composed strictly of capital letters, thus setting it apart from all other words spoken by other characters.
