Alfred Eastman Character Analysis in A Prayer for Owen Meany

John Wheelwright’s uncle, Martha Eastman’s husband, and the father of Noah, Simon, and Hester. Alfred owns an extremely successful lumber company—“a lumber baron,” John calls him—and he embodies the height of masculine potency: both staggeringly rich and strappingly fit. He believes in giving his sons the best education possible, but doesn’t care much about the education of his only daughter, to her great anger and hurt.

Alfred Eastman Character Timeline in A Prayer for Owen Meany

The timeline below shows where the character Alfred Eastman appears in A Prayer for Owen Meany. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

...Hampshire is known as the Granite State, its biggest business was originally lumber. John’s uncle, Alfred Eastman, was in the lumber business. He married John’s aunt, Martha. Owen Meany’s family was... (full context)

...a nice change for Hester, who always lost to her two older brothers. Hyper-masculine Uncle Alfred was equally wild, while conventionally feminine Aunt Martha was perfectly mild. (full context)

Martha and Alfred Eastman also believe in the saving graces of a private education, and they have high... (full context)

...and Simon are married with their own families, and they take care of their parents. Alfred has had two heart bypass operations, but he’s all right. Martha still wants to know... (full context)

...They head up to Sawyer Depot for their vacation instead of someplace tropical. Martha and Alfred are polite to Owen, but not warm. Noah is in the Peace Corps, teaching Forest... (full context)

...condemn them for coming to his funeral. Mr. Fish and Harriet sit behind them, with Alfred, Martha, and Simon. Noah is still abroad with the Peace Corps and Hester is nowhere... (full context)