The Fault in Our Stars: Characters and Themes, Slides of English Literature

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THE FAULT IN OUR STARS HAZEL GRACE LANCASTER • - main character • - narrator • - 16 years old • - has been dealing with thyroid cancer for 3 years • - the cancer has spread to her lungs • - very close to her parents • - has largely left behind her friendships from before her diagnosis & being pulled from public school • - because she was able to get her GED, she attends classes at her local community college when her health permits • - she meets Isaac & Gus at her support group • - becomes romantically involved with Gus until his death • - she is scared of hurting him through her illness FRANNIE LANCASTER, HAZEL'S MOTHER • - obviously loves Hazel very much, but Hazel feels that she is limiting her mother because her mother has had to leave work and devote all of her attention to Hazel and her medical treatments - meets Hazel at a support group for youths with cancer • -Hazel and the reader learn that, for the past year, Frannie has been pursuing a Masters in Social Work online MICHAEL LANCASTER, HAZEL'S FATHER • - incredibly emotionally invested in Hazel's survival, though he must continue working to support the family • - knows less about Hazel's illness and treatment than other characters • - cries often, leading to more guilt on Hazel's part that she is going to leave her family devastated when she dies PETER VAN HOUTEN • - American author of a fictional novel An Imperial Affliction that exists within The Fault in Our Stars • - witty, mean older man and an alcoholic • - nothing like Hazel had imagined when reading the book so many times • - keeps up a correspondence with Gus that leads to Gus and Hazel visiting him in Amsterdam, though the visit is largely unsuccessful • - Van Houten attends Gus's funeral in America and attempts to apologize to Hazel, whereupon she realizes that he had a young daughter who died of leukemia CHAPTER 2 • This chapter is structured around the first interaction between Hazel and Augustus, from Hazel’s point-of-view. Consequently, the reader sees what is it about Augustus that Hazel finds attractive. Through Augustus’s questions and Hazel’s thoughts, the reader learns what is essential to Hazel. The book, An Imperial Affliction, is one of the most important things in her life because of the manner in which the author seemed to understand her “in weird and impossible ways” (Green 15). Giving Augustus the book to read implies how she is giving him an insight into herself. This chapter also sheds light on the growing relationship between Hazel and Augustus. Their shared experiences of having cancer is not the only commonality that attracts them to one another — each one of them thinks of the other as physically attractive, smart, and charming. Nevertheless, this shared experience makes it possible for them to dispense with the “otherness” barrier that exists between Hazel and her mother, where her mother treats her as though she is different from other teenagers CHAPTER 3 • In this chapter, the sense of “otherness,” which defines cancer patients in society, is established. Cancer is a meaningful way through which other people in society identify Hazel and Augustus. It also shows by how people interact with either of them. For example, Hazel’s mother insists on celebrating her thirty-third “half birthday”. For typically- healthy teenagers, half-birthdays are not a cause for celebration. The emphasis that Hazel’s mother places on the event suggests that Hazel needs to be treated differently just because she is a cancer patient. CHAPTER 3 • In addition to her mother, Kaitlyn fails to provide Hazel with the sense of normalcy she is looking for. Even though she enjoys her company, Hazel feels disconnected from her as well as the people she talks about from their old high school. To Hazel, people do not know how to interact with her; they feel unsettled and awkward. But her interactions with Isaac and Augustus, and her short interaction with Jackie, are the most natural and relaxed interactions up to this point. CHAPTER 5 • Green uses this chapter to show the importance of love in the lives of people. For instance, he talks about the pain felt by Isaac after Monica dumps him. This is made clear when Hazel seeks to find out Isaac’s reasons for obsessing over Monica. In response, Isaac expresses his belief in true love, claiming that everybody should have a true love that should last at least for one’s lifetime. On her part, Hazel continues to struggle with her intentions to embrace fully her friendship with Gus. Personally, she worries about her imminent death and the possibility of hurting those close to her, especially Gus. Nonetheless, the author shows the feelings held by Gus towards Hazel, as he uses his wish to help her visit Amsterdam and meet the writer of her favorite book CHAPTER 5 • There is also worry by Hazel as she remembers the lack of enthusiasm in Van Houten’s emails. This is because the emails show that the author has no excitement or willingness to answer her questions fully. Nevertheless, Hazel maintains her strength and optimism by even ignoring the physical pain she experiences in her lungs and shoulder. This decision is a clear indicator of a coping strategy that prevails in different individuals during various illnesses. In his work, Green tries to shed light on the experiences undergone by cancer patients, yet minimizing the focus on the disease as a defining element in people. The author is able to pass his message effectively by using the empathy and strength of Hazel. CHAPTER 6 • Hazel is particularly excited about meeting Van Houten and to finally have her questions answered. However, this trip to Amsterdam means that she will have to spend more time with Gus, where they will eventually get closer — since they already like each other. Previously, Hazel had successfully avoided in getting involved with other people by voluntarily imposing solitude on herself. However, she clearly wants to involve herself with Gus, and this trip creates the perfect opportunity for them. Naturally, she becomes torn between her strong feelings for Gus and the desire she has for limiting the number of people she has to hurt through her unavoidable death CHAPTER 7 • Van Houten’s letter also gives the reader an insight into his character. Clearly, Houten wonders about the unfairness and cruelty of fate, indicating that death leads to nothing for the dying, and those left behind. He believes that Hazel should spare Gus the pain of her death, as it may become impossible to overcome. He compares the pain with his own experience after his daughter left him in immense pain, one that he has been unable to recover from fully. CHAPTER 8 • Hazel finds Gus interesting due to his capability to take charge of a situation that seems impossible. During the moments when Hazel feels helpless, Gus always seems to find a way of cheering her up. For instance, Hazel finds herself helpless considering her inability to go to Amsterdam. In turn, Gus finds the desperately lonely swing set as a source of glum to her, and he then suggests that they sell it, thus successfully diverting her sadness. This physicality gives Hazel some control over her troubles that previously seemed to have no possible solutions. CHAPTER 8 • Again, despite being kept alive by the drugs, Hazel continues to lack the feeling of actually living or experiencing her life. But Gus helps her gain some control over various issues, which eventually makes her happy. Nonetheless, going to Amsterdam seems to be a big issue, considering how her similarity to the character, Anna, in her favorite book. To Hazel, meeting Van Houten is very important, as she needs to know what happens to those relating to Anna, especially her friends and family. This information is crucial since it will help her understand the exact experience her loved ones will have following her death. However, the decision of her parents and the doctors to object to her traveling attempts sends her into a deep depression, as she loses hope of getting the information she really needs. This experience relate to the different issues most people with terminal illnesses undergo. Many never get the chance of knowing or understanding the pain their loved ones will encounter after the moment of their deaths. Nonetheless, having a chance to learn such issues should be granted so that the individuals may plan well before dying. CHAPTER10 • The two also watch 300 due to its heroic themes. Ideally, their trip is a clear indication of their heroism. In addition, Gus already knows about his current condition as his cancer has returned, and this round he has no hope for remission. Nonetheless, he still makes the trip despite knowing that it may cost him several days or weeks of his life. To him, he desires to die a hero, and he needs to help Hazel achieve her dreams regardless of the cost involved CHAPTER 11 • At dinner, Hazel and Gus felt free to talk about death and earthly achievements. They both feel that they have not made any important accomplishments, and their imminent death seems unfair. This realization of life and death leaves Hazel thinking about the pain she will cause the people she loves, especially to Gus if they get involved romantically. However, Gus seems not bothered by the pain, and for the first time, it becomes clear to Hazel that he is serious about them being together. In addition, she notes that Gus has a different love for her as compared to the one he had for Caroline. She believes that Gus is willing to love her unconditionally, while at the same time having the knowledge of the possible hurt by her death. CHAPTER 12 • Hazel seems to find solutions to different issues more easily than before. The disappointment caused by Van Houten does not weigh her down, as she decides to visit Anne Frank House. At the house, she realizes the difficulties of life by analyzing Anne’s life, one that had many challenges and struggles. She respects the woman and decides to climb to the top as a tribute to her death. • Thinking of Anne Frank’s life puts different things into perspective for Hazel. She realizes that despite living in the house, Anne never attained full liberation. Therefore, her fears should not limit her from living a good life, and it includes being romantically involved with Gus. She acknowledges that dreams should be tried irrespective of the possible future. Therefore, she decides to accept Gus and move their love to the next step, an indication that she has fully embraced her entire life. CHAPTER 15 • The shortness of the chapters after Hazel’s trip seems to mimic the fast passing time of her life, as well as that of Gus’s. The family dinner marks an important occasion for both Gus and Hazel, and it shows the end of their good times and healthy moments. Hazel’s world shrinks after Gus’s hospitalization, and she spends most of her time with him. Generally, she dedicates her time to offer him company and support, an important aspect of their life together. • Getting out of the hospital does not make things easier for Gus and Hazel. Instead, the imminence of death stares at them. Even the time Hazel spends outside the life of Gus remains unknown to the reader, as it seems irrelevant and unimportant. On Gus’s side, he sees his time to have passed quickly, remarking that he initially saw himself as a kid but known as a skeleton. This shows his readiness for death, as it is unavoidable. CHAPTER 16 • The impending death obsesses Gus as he worries about the legacy he will leave behind after his death. His wishes are to create a memoir that shows him as of high esteem after his death. The piece he ends up writing shows his changed opinions on the traits of a hero, as recognition has no important role to play in becoming one. He also realizes that helping others makes him feel much able to protect all those he loves despite his situation. He is always ready to sacrifice himself for Hazel, and he shows this by sacrificing himself to save her when they play a video game. To Gus, not being able to prevent his death makes him want his death to benefit someone. CHAPTER 17 • The imminent death leaves Gus and Hazel in a less romantic position by placing them into a more caring-like friendship. Gus’s frustrations stem from his thoughts of achieving nothing significant throughout life. Nonetheless, Hazel is there to console him, and suggests that her love should be enough to make him feel proud. She even tells Gus to write her obituary, which she knows will give him a chance to rethink his life and see the achievements he has for having her love. Generally, Hazel is trying to provide Gus with the necessary comfort while showing him the good things he has achieved in his shorter life. She is still there to reassure him of her love and care, as she keeps on visiting and helping him whenever possible. This is a clear indication of her unconditional to love to him, something that he should be proud of as an achievement in his life CHAPTER 19 • The prevailing situation in Gus’s house shows the experience people have whenever death comes their way. Often, those close to the dying individual do not know how to act or speak to them, and it leaves the individual distressed at times. The behavior exhibited by Hazel shows the correct way of how people should behave in such situations, thus helping the individuals achieve a natural and positive death CHAPTER 20 • Hazel’s parents show their concern about her continued behavior of spending most of her time with Gus. They already know Gus’s impending death and this worries them greatly considering that Hazel may be next-in-line. They also believe that the death of Gus and his suffering may negatively affect Hazel, thus changing her situation. However, Hazel knows exactly what she is doing, and she is not afraid of death anymore. So she considers spending time with Gus to be of greater importance, especially since his days are numbered. • On the other hand, Gus chooses to have his eulogies from Hazel and Isaac delivered before his death, as a way of showing the joy of having the two most important people in his life present. In addition, he gives them a chance to prepare for his death even before he passes on, thus eliminating any chances of the adverse hurt that may follow his death. CHAPTER 21 • The pretense, shown by people who do not even know Gus, frustrates Hazel adversely. She is unsettled that many people showed concern for Gus at a moment when he does not need the attention. Her post is meant to clear up the air for those people, yet her efforts are in vain. Gus, in his death, receives the attention he wanted while he was alive. Due to this, Hazel ends up experiencing immense pain, thus turning to her parents who are ready to offer her any support necessary, thus comforting her CHAPTER 25 • After receiving the letter, Hazel’s first thought is that Gus wrote a development to end An Imperial Affliction. However, her discovery turns out to be much better. Gus had written her eulogy describing various things Hazel had made him learn in his life. He tells her that a hero was not his aspiration, in terms of gaining mass recognition, rewards, and medals. Instead, he talks about having people like Hazel in his life, the people who make a difference in the lives of others by noticing things, paying attention, as well as other things. Gus describes those people as the true heroes. He also says that the death of a loved one does not stop life for the living; on the contrary, life moves forward. • Green then ends his book as abruptly as An Imperial Affliction, albeit not in mid- sentence. However, the book does not reveal Hazel’s life after finding the eulogy. It is not clear whether she manages to pull herself out of the pain of losing Gus. Nonetheless, there are clear hints that she is strong enough to handle the experience effectively and in the correct manner. In addition, the reader does not get to know the length of Hazel’s life considering that Phalanxifor might have kept her alive for longer than expected, or the fluid in her lungs may have ultimately ended her life. CHAPTER 25 • Despite that, the reader understands her reaction after receiving the letter. The handwritten eulogy shows how Gus valued the love he had for Hazel. Additionally, despite sending it to Van Houten for editing, the lonely author saw no need of adding anything, as the work was impressive and correctly expressed. The conversational tone of the letter lets Hazel feel as though she is speaking to Gus in person. Eventually, she says ‘I do’ as a response to Gus’s question about her feeling the same as he feels.