There are many different literary devices that are used throughout the course of the novel. They do not, however, play a key role in the story. As John is describing things rhetorical figures are often used, but they are not an imperative part of the story as a whole. Symbolism is important in the book in that Owen Meany, on of the main characters, is himself a symbol. He symbolizes the struggle between the natural and the supernatural, stemming from his awkward body, and leading into his magnificent mind.
Symbolism is also important in the use of arms as gods instrument to people.
The primary theme in the book is religious faith. John s doubt is transformed with the help of his best friend Owen Meany. Owen s life is a miracle. He is able to see into his future, he has visions of what is going to happen to him, how he will die, additionally, he is a virgin birth, though John does not know this until the end of the novel. John struggles with Owen s death, because he knows that Owen was aware of what would happen to him, yet he finds the death of such a remarkable person to be extremely unjust.