Questions about life and religion

The search for the meaning of life

In John Green’s novel Looking for Alaska, the question of the meaning of life is dealt with in religion class primarily by the religion teacher Dr. Hyde, who is also called "the old man" by the students. This year, he takes the students through the three religions: Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism. He announces that it will be about the most significant questions of human life: " ‘...the search for meaning. What is the nature of being a person? What is the best way to go about being a person? How did we come to be, and what will become of us when we are no longer? In short: What are the rules of this game, and how might we best play it?’ " (p. 32).

Miles immediately connects Dr. Hyde's questions with the question about the labyrinth and expects to find answers in these lessons. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that there are no clear answers. Nevertheless, the religion class and the reflections on the different religions help Miles process his grief.

Miles is excited about Dr. Hyde's lessons because the questions interest him and he likes Dr. Hyde's teac...