Argument: Coupland's characters show the apathy and disinterest of teenagers of our times. Their personalities somewhat can be related back to Coupland's own depression problems. Claim: Many of the characters' personalities overlap in Coupland's books as well as the storylines. Evidence: "Many of Mr. Coupland's characters worry that they suffer from the inability to feel. They natter on at length about the emptiness of their lives, their anxieties about the end of the world, their loss of joie de vivre."

Argument: An overarching theme in Douglas Coupland's books is depressing and the tones are extremely dark. Claim: Coupland's own disappointment of the world is seen in his books. He writes about the failures and apathy of society. Evidence: "With each new book, his vision darkens further, his tone becoming ever more nostalgic. His characters mourn not only the lost idealism of their youth but also something more important-purpose, meaning."