Essay Outline

Kyle Somerville
Thesis:

Throughout the novel Hey Nostradamus! by Douglas Coupland our view on religion is
tested. Cheryl’s constant prayers, Reg’s forceful view on religion, and Jason’s downward
spiral of alcohol and drugs all show that their own faith is being tested, and in turn our
own.

Paragraph 1:

Throughout Cheryl part she is praying for herself, the survivors of the massacre, and the
gunmen. Her prayers show that she is having trouble with her faith through what she
prays for.

Proof:

Page 27- Dear Lord, I pray for the souls of the three killers, I don’t know if that is right or
wrong.
This prayer is questionable because she is praying for the people who killed her and
many other students. Also the killers don’t deserve any remorse from anyone, least of all
from a victim.

Paragraph 2:

Reg, Jason’s father, has tried to force people to have the same view of religion as him.
Everyone he comes into contact with doesn’t appreciate his angry, depressing nature.

Proof:

Page 83- “Yes,” he said, “I think you might have to consider the possibility that one of
the boys might not have a soul.”
Silence. All the smiles turned fake.
“You’re joking,” said Riley.
“Joking? About the human soul? Never.”

This shows Reg’s inconsiderate, stubborn religious view that he tries to force upon
people.
Paragraph 3:

Jason has, since the massacre, gotten into alcohol and drug use. At one point he blacks
out and wakes up in Seattle, not remembering what had happened. He used to be very
religious, but not after his experience at the shooting.

Proof:

Page 123- and then my blackout.

The next thing I remember is being in Seattle.

This shows that he is abusing drugs and alcohol, to a dangerous extent when he doesn’t
remember what has happened. His previous faith had been shattered because of the
shooting and he believes that it will never be the same.