Finger ( Owen Meany)

John Irving, In the prayer for Owen Meany uses finger to proves what Meany already knew. Because of his faith in God and his ability to predict what will happen pushed him to cut John Finger to prevent him from participating in the war, so he could not be able to use a gun. More specifically Owen chooses to cut his index finger. So he could not be able to pick up anything during the war. “I think it ought to be the right Index finger” Said Owen –just to be safe. I mean, officially, we’re talking about your trigger finger” (507). During this process, Meany told john that “ the army regulation in question states that a person would not be physically qualified to serve in the case of the absence of the first joint of either thumb or the index, middle, or ring finger” (506). Meany knew the rules of everything, not only did he believe in god but also he knew how to use the brain that was giving to him.

However, Meany wanted to be part of the war, but because of his condition, it was not possible for Meany to be part of the battle. He knew Jhon would have being unhappy, if he had participate in the war. Meany wanted Jhon to do “what you want” things that would make him happy. Meany knew that Jhon was a brilliant writerand that pleased him. Meany, “god instrument” has he thought, we can see that he knew how miserable Jhon would have being if he had responded to the Gravesend draft board. His final words to Jhon, after cutting his finger was “just think of this as a little gift to you” (509)

Hamlet Act 4 scene 4

Hamlet and Fortinbras are two characters that are very important in the novel. Hamlet is the main character of the novel, with this responsibilities and high standard in the novel he becomes more of bait for we found ourselves comparing him to the other characters. Looking at Fortinbras, we see that Hamlet lack his strength and his manliness. In Fortinbras, I was able to recognize the word fort which is usually a thing that is characterized as strong, and a well-built entity. By being well-built, William is letting us know that hamlet is less that a man, the feminine in him is greater. Bras the last syllable of Fortinbras name means arms in French which bring me to the conclusion that Versus Hamlet Fortinbras is a man of action.

To continue, Hamlet have admitted that he have being “thinking too precisely on th’ event” (4-4-41) which have stand in his way of taking any action. It is by knowing the outcome of what might happen that have turn him into a “coward.” Hamlet respect Fortinbras who with two thousands men are able to walk head high “to their graves” (4-4-62) like it was their own beds it’s because of them having pride and dignity for themselves. For “divine ambition puff’d makes mouths at the invisible event (outcome)/ exposing what is mortal and unsure/ to all that fortune, death, and danger dare,/ even for an eggshell.” (4-4- 49, 53)

This braveness enables Hamlet to think back on his life. Knowing his father was murder, dealing with his mother’s nonsense, despite all this, he know the same person that got his father might like an ocean engulf him however, despite all this, Hamlet does not budge. How should we view Hamlet, when with all of this he only thinks and “sleep” (4-4-59). Now Hamlet is able to see that “rightly to be great/ is not to stir without great argument, / but greatly to find quarrel in a straw/ when honor’s at the stake.” (4-4- 53, 56)

Just like Hamlet, Fortinbras is also a prince with a decease father and an uncle, an “old fool” in power. He once was imprison by his uncle, for Hamlet for him feels imprison too for he now sees Denmark as a prison. His life has being turn into a life of crime and lie. Hamlet feels trapped for he does not know who to turn to. He no longer have a mother figure, he feels that everyone is out to get him. However, Fortinbras did not just seat and put a play together to see how is enemies will react, he acts for them. Fortinbras takes matter in his own hand which is why Hamlet admire him since he knows that the manly thing to do is to take action.

Hamlet Act 1 Scene 4-5

In Act 4, we see that hamlet seek more in life as he willingly chooses to meet a ghost. Hamlet no longer wanted to be categorize as a” drunkards”(19) as someone who is enable to control himself and his emotions. As his uncle “drains his draught of Rhenish down” (10) with his mom by his side. Despite “our achievements, though perform’d at height, / the pith and marrow for our attribute” (21-22). Hamlet is lost, everyone wants to live him in the dark but he seeks his father for the light “father” hamlet cries “o, answer me! Let me not burst into ignorance” (line 45-46) by seeing the Ghost<>Denmark, Horatio continues by saying “Heaven will set things right” this line foreshadow the truth of what really happens to King Hamlet. Hamlet cannot seem to wait for is “fate cries out, / and makes each artere in his body as hardy as the Nemean lion’s nerve” (line 82-84)

In Act 5 Hamlet is able to have a conversation with his father ghost. It is important to see that Hamlet is doing this alone, even though he walks in with Horatio and Marcellus, they are left behind. I quickly thought of Jesus through as his journey was about to come to an end. When he seeks for his father, the two disciples were not present. To continue the ghost let Hamlet know that “the serpent that did sting thy father’s life/ now wears his crown” ( 38-39) and it is very terrible, horrible that he was” cut off even in the blossoms of my sin/ unhous’led, disapoointed, unanel’d/ no reck’ning made, but sent to my account/ with all my imperfections on my head/ ( line 74-79)which is the reason now he is doomed for a certain time to walk in night and during the day to be held captive in fire, until his sins are burned and purged away.

After the ghost as exit, and Hamlet rejoin Horatio and Marcellus, Hamlet made them swear to never talk about the ghost. Hamlet behavior is foreshadow here as he tells his servant if he ever act in any fantastic manner, they are to pronounce some doubtful phrase like “well, well, we know.” Or “we could and if we could “(line 175) Hamlet is happy to be in the light, to have learned things even philosophy could not cover which show that he must have seek answers anywhere he could find it. “There are more things in heaven and earth… than are dreamt in your philosophy “(166-167) which is why at this time of disorder and how “cursed spit that ever I was born to set it right!” (Line 188-189)