Mitzy Lish Character Analysis in A Prayer for Owen Meany

The mother of Larry Lish and ex-wife of Herb Lish, Mitzy Lish spoils her son with parties and girls, then cleans up after his messes. She is vain about her good looks, and is accustomed to the life of a rich socialite. A relentless gossip, Mitzy tells Owen Meany that President Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe are having an affair, and laughs at Owen’s earnest defense of the president. When Owen is rude to her in return, she tries to have him expelled, claiming that he was being anti-Semitic because she’s Jewish.

Mitzy Lish Character Timeline in A Prayer for Owen Meany

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

Larry’s mother, Mitzy Lish, was an attractive older woman—sexier than Hester, even, whose “early-blooming eroticism” was diluted by... (full context)

As promised, Larry brings Mitzy to confirm the rumor about JFK and Marilyn Monroe. She seems to enjoy Owen’s distress... (full context)

But Owen won’t stand to be bullied or taken lightly—he says to Mitzy, “IF YOU WANTED TO SLEEP WITH ME…WHAT THE HELL…I SUPPOSE I’D TRY IT.” Then he... (full context)

Mitzy apparently told White that Owen said something anti-Semitic to her, but Owen hadn’t even known... (full context)

...TAX THEM OR DRAFT THEM OR KILL THEM.” John sees a mink and thinks of Mitzy Lish. Larry Lish has become a well-known reporter who writes with a self-righteous, moralistic tone. (full context)