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Chenelle Cates

Mr. Cipiti

Gateway 3

26 December 2018

Exploring Life Through Human Connections

One could argue that life is represented by accomplishments and levels of success;

however, it is the connections people create that permit humans to live and love to the fullest

measure. ​The Fault In Our Stars​ is a realistic fiction novel written by John Green. The book

follows the journey of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a 16-year old cancer patient. Hazel regularly

attends a cancer relief group where she meets a similarly afflicted teenager, Augustus Waters.

The characters share sarcastic humor and a common interest in books, especially Hazel’s prize

possession “An Imperial Affliction” by Peter Van Houten. When Augustus receives an invitation

to meet the author, he urges Grace to join the adventure despite the brief life they have left. The

constant threat of death lurking behind the door affects the characters’ decisions and how they

perceive life and oblivion. The ideology that death is an occurrence that allows humans to value

life is constant through the novel due to important human connections.

To begin, Hazel and Augustus meet at a cancer support group, whose purpose is to

help the youth through struggles of being a suffering or recovering cancer patient. Hazel and

Augustus immediately bond over a conversation about oblivion and death. Both Augustus and

Hazel show nervousness about their own mortalities. The characters are forced to confront topics

that most teenagers do not have to suffer, such as, medical treatment and effects of cancer.

Character development occurs through the exploration of relationships, which ultimately helps
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define the purpose of life. Augustus wisely says, "You don't get to choose if you hurt in this

world...but you do have some say in who hurts you" (Green 313). Augustus believes that there is

importance in voicing opinions and establishing new relations even though the harmful things,

such as cancer, can be an obstacle. Hazel is able to develop a better understanding about

connections with her family through her relationship with Augustus. Their relationship and

journey allow Hazel to step out of her comforting isolation. Hazel is able to truly live her life for

the first time, which allows her to understand that death is necessary to recognize the value of

life.

Furthermore, the story does not concentrate on the tragic information of their affliction

and symptoms. The novel tends to focus on their attempt to behave like normal teenagers despite

their diseases. Hazel and Gus take on an adventure to explore the unknown before their

foreshadowed death. Augustus encourages Grace to view ideas from a different perspective and

pushes her to be bold and take hold of her future. Hazel Grace sincerely states, "But, Gus, my

love, I cannot tell you how thankful I am for our little infinity. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

You gave me a forever within the numbered days..." (Green 260). Hazel feels as though

Augustus' optimism and enthusiasm helped widen her mindset. Augustus invites Grace on the

journey to Amsterdam because he wants her to explore new concepts outside of her comfort

zone. Hazel is thankful for the Amsterdam adventure to meet her favorite author and receive

closure on the “An Imperial Affliction” ending. This trip made her feel as though she was not

limited by her disease. The relationship between Hazel and Augustus is supportive and

eye-opening. Augustus is an essential part of developing the theme of valuing important

relationships in life.
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Lastly, the subject of death in the book furthers Hazel's perception on significant

associations. Death is foreshadowed throughout the book due to the fatality of several cancer

patients. Before Hazel meets Augustus, she feels as though she is a burden on her family.

Hazel’s idea of death slowly changes through the course of the novel. She begins to realize that it

is important to establish connections with her family, and appreciate life before inevitable death.

Hazel’s favorite author, Peter Van Houten states, "Grief does not change you, Hazel. It reveals

you" (Green 286). Van Houten tells his perspective of death, which ultimately helps identify a

theme behind the novel. Hazel believes that her death will severely damage those around her;

therefore, she tries to emotionally distance herself from everyone However, throughout the book,

Hazel begins to learn that the people around her will not be capable to accepting her death. Hazel

decides that she will no longer shield herself from the outside world due to the possibility of

death.

In conclusion, the story follows the journey of two teenagers who fall in love and

together decide the meaning of life and death. They encounter multiple different perspectives on

mortality. Hazel develops new comprehension about the choice to enjoy life because of her

relations with Augustus Waters. One idea that Hazel learned due to her exploration in

Amsterdam: is the connection people obtain help humans survive and appreciate life. Augustus

becomes an important person in Hazel's life because he helps expand her viewpoint.​ The Fault In

Our Stars​ conveys the messages that life is not always about accomplishments; it is about the

memories and connection made along the way.

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Work Cited

Green, John. ​The Fault In Our Stars. ​Dutton Books, 2012.