In A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving, Harriet Wheelwright does not act like a stereotypical grandmother. Not only does she continually express her opinions, but she is also quick to judge everyone. Although it is unconventional, Johnny's grandmother cares for him and Owen in her own way, through an interesting relationship, even if she can seem condescending to others. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay. Grandma Wheelwright has a personality all her own. Just as older generations tend to do, she complains about new technological developments and how life used to be so much better while still enjoying it. “My grandmother observed that television drained the little life that remained… “cleaned them”; yet, she immediately wanted to have her own television” (Irving 257). Irving uses the hypocritical divide that exists between older and younger generations to use and draw attention to irony. As a direct descendant of Gravesend's founders, she expects to maintain a certain level of status through her stylish clothing and display of wealth, in this case through the purchase of a television. Harriet criticizes emerging television for its life-sucking qualities, but all the while she falls victim to the race to meet societal norms for her dizzying reputation. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a personalized article from our expert writers now. Get a Personalized Essay by Using Ironically, Irving extends the explanation of Harriet's high status with the accompanying snobbish attitude and attributes of older generations. It's surprising that Harriet, exemplified by her high-pitched, condescending tone and upscale lifestyle, would succumb to a fantasy as petty as television. She embodies the idea of ​​old people stuck in their ways. However, even for a person of his socio-economic status, it is difficult to resist new technological development. Life comes to a point where people must begin to change over time, and Harriet unwittingly finds herself at that stage. Additionally, the addition of the television brings her up to par with the general population of Gravesend, including Owen Meany. Even the oddball Harriet Wheelwright, with her lavish clothes and overzealous sentiments, couldn't beat that TV craving. This shows that deep down, while not predominant, she shares qualities with the majority of Gravesend residents that allow her to truly connect and build relationships with the economically disadvantaged Owen. This example of irony helps the reader better understand the psyche of Harriet Wheelwright; suddenly she doesn't seem so cold and uncaring anymore.