Group Presentation Comments

Group: Erika Sison , Holly Lam, Sarah Gleeson

It was interesting to watch this group’s presentation because they added on to what Dr. Ogden had said in class about the four fold ontology: heaven, hell, limbo, and purgatory. They also explained what the term ontology meant which I am sure was very helpful to those who still were not sure about that term.

In examining this topic, I actually do have a different view after looking through the text myself and having listened to what Dr. Ogden had to say in class. I still cannot bring myself to believe that Jason is in hell and that Reg is in heaven. There is not enough evidence of this in the novel that I can find. I was especially confused after Dr. Ogden first said that Jason is like Jesus and then he says that Jason is in hell. I found these two statements to be somewhat contradicting. Perhaps it is the case that interpretations of the novel may be different for many people and that there is not one “correct” answer because it is based on opinions. Therefore, as this group agreed with Dr. Ogden for the most part, others may not. There is nothing wrong in agreeing but it‘s good to consider other view points as well. For instance, my blog entry titled, “Heaven or Hell: You Decide?” shows things form a different perspective and so does the entry Emily posted titled, “Does Jason really represent Jesus Christ?”

Hopefully after reading some entries from my group blog site in addition with this group’s presentation, the class can begin to form their own opinions on the four fold ontology.


Group: Clayton Ng, Jamie Masaro, Wilfred Tsang, Roy Ma

I agree with the points that this group made in regards to the novel Hey Nostradamus! I also enjoyed reading the novel very much and I would not mind reading it a few more times! I think that Clayton was right in stating in his entry that Coupland is looking for two responses from readers. As this group explained, some readers would be amazed after reading it while others would be destabilized. Personally, I believe this is what makes this novel so interesting. It is the questioning of beliefs that causes readers to become more open minded and that is what allows for change to occur. Then again, some people may be dogmatic and may not change their opinions even when faced with doubt. Ultimately, the group did a good job in mentioning
Coupland's target audience and what message he was trying to send.


Group: Ken Smith, Bryce Brentlinger, Cvijeta Stojanovic, Lorenz Nierves

I found that the presentation topic of this group was very interesting, especially when they mentioned the preface of the novel. I remember being curious to know more when we first spoke about the preface in our tutorial. At that time, I can recall fellow class mates coming up with various interpretations of it. For instance, when I first read the preface it seemed to me as if Coupland was telling readers to prepare themselves for a journey that will change them. It was wonderful that Ken did some research as to what the first Corinthian was. After listening to their group presentation, I have learned more about the 1st Corinthian and what point Coupland is trying to make by using it in the preface.Overall, this group had great ideas when interpreting the preface.


Group: Melissa Yeaman, Lauren Brown

What made this group’s presentation different from others is that they mentioned the importance of fragments in the novel Hey Nostradamus!. Interesting points were made as the group spoke about how each part of the novel is split into fragments and that it separates the characters. At first when I began reading the novel, I was not too sure if I liked this approach but after reading it I can understand why Coupland chose to include fragments. In brief, the fragments aided readers in understanding that each character is different.

**Note to Jodie: Here are my group blog posts/comments:

3 group blog posts:

1.)Imagery in "The Two Sisters"
2.) Val from "Forgiveness in Families"
3.)Heaven or Hell: You Decide?

500 word post:

Patriarchy vs Matriarchy

Bonus blog posts:

1.)Avison says, “I am Canadian.”
2.)Thoughts on All Tomorrow’s Parties

Comments:

1.) "Snobbery in the character of Mrs. Coffin" (Emily’s post)
2.)"The Minerva Club" (Sunshine’s post)
The group presentation responses. (This entry)
3.) Group: Erika Sison , Holly Lam, Sarah Gleeson
4.)Group: Clayton Ng, Jamie Masaro, Wilfred Tsang, Roy Ma
5.)Group: Ken Smith, Bryce Brentlinger, Cvijeta Stojanovic, Lorenz Nierves
6.)Group: Melissa Yeaman, Lauren Brown

Thanks Jodie. :)