Girlfriend In A Coma Essay
Vickita Trivedi
Mr.Chenette
December 20th 2013
How Society Impacts Ones Decision Making Process By: Vickita Trivedi
The problem with mankind, is that everyone is so indulged in pleasing others, they fail to think of their own welfare. "Girlfriend in a Coma", by Douglas Coupland shares immense amounts of human nature throughout the novel and is brought to light through certain characters. These individuals make rational decisions solely based on what society will think of them, rather than what is truly best for them. Three types of choices that dominate the plot of this novel are family, careers and romantic relationships.
In the novel Girlfriend in a Coma, the author introduces certain characters that make decisions about family, all of which are influenced by the opinion of society. The decision making process is heavily influenced by society and what other people may think. People tend to place other individuals opinions higher than their own whilst making a decision. This thought process is intensely evident throughout the novel. One example of this is Lois, mother of Karen McNeil. The reason Karen had initially entered a coma was due to her taking valuim that Lois had given her. Her mother always told her she wasn't pretty enough and that taking pills would be beneficial…"You know I was raised on pills; Mom's a walking pharmacy. But if i take even one speeder, I spazz out and climb the walls with my teeth."…"Most drugs, even vitamins, send me to the moon. But downers are okay. I take them to cool out. Mom gave me my own bottle." (Coupland, 17) This quote is stating that her mom was so inclined in having Karen take pills, that she insisted she had her own. As Karen entered the coma, Lois stopped visiting her, she felt as if it was all her fault. Which it was, but that should not have stopped her from supporting her daughter and being by her side. Later in the
Mr.Chenette
December 20th 2013
How Society Impacts Ones Decision Making Process By: Vickita Trivedi
The problem with mankind, is that everyone is so indulged in pleasing others, they fail to think of their own welfare. "Girlfriend in a Coma", by Douglas Coupland shares immense amounts of human nature throughout the novel and is brought to light through certain characters. These individuals make rational decisions solely based on what society will think of them, rather than what is truly best for them. Three types of choices that dominate the plot of this novel are family, careers and romantic relationships.
In the novel Girlfriend in a Coma, the author introduces certain characters that make decisions about family, all of which are influenced by the opinion of society. The decision making process is heavily influenced by society and what other people may think. People tend to place other individuals opinions higher than their own whilst making a decision. This thought process is intensely evident throughout the novel. One example of this is Lois, mother of Karen McNeil. The reason Karen had initially entered a coma was due to her taking valuim that Lois had given her. Her mother always told her she wasn't pretty enough and that taking pills would be beneficial…"You know I was raised on pills; Mom's a walking pharmacy. But if i take even one speeder, I spazz out and climb the walls with my teeth."…"Most drugs, even vitamins, send me to the moon. But downers are okay. I take them to cool out. Mom gave me my own bottle." (Coupland, 17) This quote is stating that her mom was so inclined in having Karen take pills, that she insisted she had her own. As Karen entered the coma, Lois stopped visiting her, she felt as if it was all her fault. Which it was, but that should not have stopped her from supporting her daughter and being by her side. Later in the