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 anyone and everyone. Although unconventional, Johnny's grandmother cares for him and Owen in her own special way through an interesting relationship even if she may seem condescending to others. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Grandma Wheelwright has a personality all her own. Just as older generations tend to do, he laments new technological developments and how life was so much better in the old days while still enjoying them. “My grandmother observed that television was draining what little life was left…'cleansing' it; yet he immediately wanted a TV of his own” (Irving 257). Irving uses the hypocritical divide within the divide between older and younger generations to employ and draw attention to irony. Being a direct descendant of the Gravesend founders, she expects to maintain a certain level of status through her elegant clothing and display of wealth, in this case through the purchase of a television. Harriet criticizes emerging television for its life-sucking quality, but in the process falls victim to the race to keep up with social norms for its sky-high reputation. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Through the use of irony Irving extends the explanation of Harriet's high status with the accompanying snobbish attitude and attributes of the older generations. Exemplified through her cutting, condescending tone and high-class lifestyle, it is surprising that Harriet succumbs to such a mean-spirited fantasy as television. It embodies the idea of ​​older people getting stuck in their ways. However, even for a person with his socioeconomic status, it is difficult to resist a new technological development. Life comes to a point where people have to start changing with the times, and Harriet unwittingly finds herself in this phase. Additionally, the addition of the television levels her with the general population of Gravesend, including Owen Meany. Not even the extravagant Harriet Wheelwright, with her sumptuous clothes and overzealous feelings, could overcome this desire for television. This shows that deep down, although not overwhelmingly, she shares qualities with most Gravesend residents that allow her to truly connect and relate to the economically disadvantaged Owen. This example of irony helps the reader better understand Harriet Wheelwright's psyche; suddenly she doesn't seem so cold and unfeeling anymore.