John's American Abhorrence in A Prayer for Owen Meany

John’s deep-seated resentment towards the United States and its citizens is strongly reflected in this passage; his character and point of view are powerfully illustrated by his tone and choice of words. Moreover, the reader is able to probe deeper into John’s character and learn a little more about him through his words. John is deeply split on his feelings for his native country; he treats America with contempt, stating its “arrogance” and …

…home to his Canadian one; whereas, the young John is almost happy, despite his rather tumultuous upbringing, the older John is reserved and fastidious, somehow lacking the exuberance and tentative happiness that he possessed when he was younger. This change is apparent when John states, after teaching class, that, “I’m so slow – I feel so dull.” (p. 308) The given passage serves as an illustration of the disillusionment and discontent that surrounds and engulfs John.