Pecularities of the representation of concept «childhood» in the novel «a prayer for Owen meany» by John Irving

Abstract

The article investigates the specifics of the implementation of Concept «Childhood» in the novel «A
Prayer for Owen Meany» by J. Irving. The components of the concept and its main features (young man,
temporal characteristics, condition) are analyzed. It is indicated that Childhood is the central theme of
the novel. It is revealed through the fate of the main character, his aesthetic views, ideals and values.
Much attention is paid to the linguistic means used by the writer in the process of characterizing the
main character and the events taking place in his life. The article states that the Concept of Childhood
is realized in the work through literary devices such as metaphor, comparison, epithet, synecdoche and
paraphrase. They reveal the inner world of the main character, his attitude to the surrounding reality.
The article with specific examples substantiates that in the J. Irving’s novel the Concept of Childhood
realizes in four aspects.