Theme
Love triumphs over hardships
Love: noun, an intense emotion of affection, warmth, fondness, and regard towards a person or thing.
Hardship: noun, 1. Conditions of life difficult to endure or 2. Something that causes suffering or privation.
One of the main themes in The Fault in Our Stars is that “Love triumphs over hardships”. This is demonstrated in three different relationships; parental relationship (Hazel vs. Mr. and Mrs Lancaster), romantic relationship (Hazel and Augustus), and friendship (Hazel and Augustus vs. Isaac). When Hazel called herself a Grenade (Green 99) her parents were devastated that she had such suicidal thoughts (the hardship), but their unconditional love and support for her grew because they knew that this incident was a cry for help. After making her understand that she is not a grenade to them, and how important she is in their lives Hazel feels better about herself and is more grateful for her parents (her parents love supported her in overcoming this dark thought about death).
Augustus and Hazel have both had cancer at one time, and this is the major obstruction that is negatively affecting their relationship. Needless to say, they found ways to continue to love each other and overcame their physical “impairments”. Gus and Hazel went through many tribulations where they were hospitalized for prolonged periods of time, instead of their relationship weakening they encouraged and supported each other more which caused their relationship to strengthen (i.e. Green 214-216, when Augustus told Hazel that he might have to be hospitalized and “drugged” for a long time, she told him that she would be by his side and that this was just another phase of life)
The last instance in which “Love triumphs over hardship” is demonstrated in is in friendships. Before Isaac gets his eyes removed in a surgery, his heart broken by Monica (Green 57). Hazel and Gus attempt to cheer him up, by giving him a lot of moral support. This causes Isaac to become distracted from his problems, their affection and support lead Isaac to regain his confidence and overcome this predicament.
Death reveals, and shapes our personalities and perceptions.
Hazel has to go through a lot at the end of the book, at that moment she is surrounded by a whirlwind of emotions. She realizes a lot of things about herself as she goes through these tough times, and comes to many conclusions about what she thinks about life and the universe. She learns that life is ruthless and that she needs to be more grateful for what she has. After the tribulation she is enraged by the fact that funerals are for the living and that so many people gave their condolences despite not knowing the deceased very well (Green 264.Where were they when the person was alive?). Her new found emotions and perceptions are showcased in the infinity speech (Green 260) where she acknowledges the good times that she had and how much she learnt about life from such an inspirational person. This predicament strengthens her as she chooses to move on and remember the happy moments because she cannot do anything now (her raw emotions and feelings are exposed to the reader).
Discovering your true self.
Hazel’s life was pretty dull before Augustus came into her life. He provided her with new experiences and thoughts on life (i.e. when they go to Amsterdam, Hazel formulates her opinion on Peter Van Houten and life). The whole book was based on the maturing and growing of Hazel as she learned from her mistakes and the harsh realities of life (being sick and not being able to get better, having someone close to you die, some people are not as they seem). The quote “Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”~ Oscar Wilde best describes what Hazel is going through. She is becoming more experienced at life and learning how to deal with her emotions (being a teenager she wants to find out who she actually is). At the end she finds out the true value or life, and is more outgoing and optimistic then she was at the start (is not afraid to venture out of the premises of her house). Her journey is very interesting and relatable.
-Jaspreet
Love: noun, an intense emotion of affection, warmth, fondness, and regard towards a person or thing.
Hardship: noun, 1. Conditions of life difficult to endure or 2. Something that causes suffering or privation.
One of the main themes in The Fault in Our Stars is that “Love triumphs over hardships”. This is demonstrated in three different relationships; parental relationship (Hazel vs. Mr. and Mrs Lancaster), romantic relationship (Hazel and Augustus), and friendship (Hazel and Augustus vs. Isaac). When Hazel called herself a Grenade (Green 99) her parents were devastated that she had such suicidal thoughts (the hardship), but their unconditional love and support for her grew because they knew that this incident was a cry for help. After making her understand that she is not a grenade to them, and how important she is in their lives Hazel feels better about herself and is more grateful for her parents (her parents love supported her in overcoming this dark thought about death).
Augustus and Hazel have both had cancer at one time, and this is the major obstruction that is negatively affecting their relationship. Needless to say, they found ways to continue to love each other and overcame their physical “impairments”. Gus and Hazel went through many tribulations where they were hospitalized for prolonged periods of time, instead of their relationship weakening they encouraged and supported each other more which caused their relationship to strengthen (i.e. Green 214-216, when Augustus told Hazel that he might have to be hospitalized and “drugged” for a long time, she told him that she would be by his side and that this was just another phase of life)
The last instance in which “Love triumphs over hardship” is demonstrated in is in friendships. Before Isaac gets his eyes removed in a surgery, his heart broken by Monica (Green 57). Hazel and Gus attempt to cheer him up, by giving him a lot of moral support. This causes Isaac to become distracted from his problems, their affection and support lead Isaac to regain his confidence and overcome this predicament.
Death reveals, and shapes our personalities and perceptions.
Hazel has to go through a lot at the end of the book, at that moment she is surrounded by a whirlwind of emotions. She realizes a lot of things about herself as she goes through these tough times, and comes to many conclusions about what she thinks about life and the universe. She learns that life is ruthless and that she needs to be more grateful for what she has. After the tribulation she is enraged by the fact that funerals are for the living and that so many people gave their condolences despite not knowing the deceased very well (Green 264.Where were they when the person was alive?). Her new found emotions and perceptions are showcased in the infinity speech (Green 260) where she acknowledges the good times that she had and how much she learnt about life from such an inspirational person. This predicament strengthens her as she chooses to move on and remember the happy moments because she cannot do anything now (her raw emotions and feelings are exposed to the reader).
Discovering your true self.
Hazel’s life was pretty dull before Augustus came into her life. He provided her with new experiences and thoughts on life (i.e. when they go to Amsterdam, Hazel formulates her opinion on Peter Van Houten and life). The whole book was based on the maturing and growing of Hazel as she learned from her mistakes and the harsh realities of life (being sick and not being able to get better, having someone close to you die, some people are not as they seem). The quote “Experience is simply the name we give our mistakes.”~ Oscar Wilde best describes what Hazel is going through. She is becoming more experienced at life and learning how to deal with her emotions (being a teenager she wants to find out who she actually is). At the end she finds out the true value or life, and is more outgoing and optimistic then she was at the start (is not afraid to venture out of the premises of her house). Her journey is very interesting and relatable.
-Jaspreet
Writing Style
List of Words and Definitions:
Phalanixifor: an imaginary medication based off of herceptin; that attaches itself to the cancer cells in order to slow down their growth rate.
Decrepit: lacking bodily or muscular strength or viality.
Myriad: a large indefinite number
Affliction: a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
Aura: a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing
Perpetuity: the property of being perpetual (seeming ceaseless)
Ontological: of or relating to ontology (ontology: the metaphysical study of the nature of being and existence)
Putrid: morally corrupt or evil
Addled: confused and vague; used especially of thinking
Encroach: impinge or infringe upon
Innuendo: an indirect (and usually malicious)
Extricate: release from entanglement of difficulty
Circumscribe: restrict or contine, “I limit you to two visits to the store a day”
Palliative: moderating pain or sorrow by making it easier to bear
Commiserate: to feel or express sympathy or compassion
Eponymous: being or relating to or bearing the name of an eponym
Hamarita: a tragic flaw
Vernacular: native or indigenous language, language of people, opposed to literary language
Inexorable: unyielding/unalterable
Nihilism: nothingness or non-existence... an extreme form of skepticism (skepticism: the denail of all real existence or possibility of objective basis for truth)
Emulate: an imitation or a copy
Justification for the selection of terms:
The reasoning as to why these specific terms were chosen is because they were either the most frequently used terms in the novel, or the most confusing, by popular voting. For example, the word Phalanixifor was used multiple times in the novel before I truly understood what it was, and there are key terms in the vocabulary sheet such as Affliction. This will help new readers to understand some of the important terminology.
“Mr. And Mrs. Waters......” (Green 162)
Pathetic Fallacy: the attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals, esp. in art and literature.
I chose this example because it was a remarkable example of pathetic fallacy. This is the scene where Hazel and Augustus have arrived in Amsterdam, and it is finally the evening of their highly anticipated date. Pathetic Fallacy is portrayed in this scene because the weather outside is perfect, and the city lights are all glimmering, and they are looking over an ocean view. This corresponds with their new love, and how it is blossoming because of the beautiful weather outside. As they admire the beauty outside of the window, they admire the beauty in one another. The food they have ordered is the best food they've ever had, corresponding with the fact that this is one of the best evenings they've ever had.
“I am in love with you.....”
(Green 153)
Suspense: a state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen.
This quote is an example of suspense in the novel. Augustus, Hazel and Mrs. Lancaster have all boarded the plane to Amsterdam. As Mrs. Lancaster falls asleep instantaneously, Augustus and Hazel have some bonding time. Hazel is reading An Imperial Affliction by Augustus' request, and he is amazed by her memorizing abilities. He says the 3 words we as an audience have all been waiting for and Hazel is left speechless. She leaves the audience hanging, and this was one of the most suspenseful moments in the novel because we are unsure if she has been able to love him yet, how this will affect their trip, etc.
“It's a metaphor.....”
(Green 20)
Irony: the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
This is one of the most memorable quotes in the novel. This scene takes place at the beginning of the novel where Hazel and Augustus are hanging out for the first time. She asks him if he smokes and he explains that it is a metaphor. He says you put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing. This represents that he is in control of his own death in a sense. The entire metaphor is quite ironic, and it foreshadows for later on in the novel.
“Maybe okay will be our always,”
(Green 73)
Symbolism: the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities
I chose this quote because it is a great example of symbolism. This quote is symbolizing the relationship between Hazel and Augustus. After one of their later conversations, Augustus makes the suggestion that the word “okay” will be their “always”. Always was the word that Monica and Issac used to describe their love for one another. This symbolizes their new liking for each other and it is also suspenseful because it makes you wonder if it is going to last, or if fate will repeat itself like it did with Issac and Monica.
“....some infinities are bigger than other infinities....”
Phalanixifor: an imaginary medication based off of herceptin; that attaches itself to the cancer cells in order to slow down their growth rate.
Decrepit: lacking bodily or muscular strength or viality.
Myriad: a large indefinite number
Affliction: a condition of suffering or distress due to ill health
Aura: a distinctive but intangible quality surrounding a person or thing
Perpetuity: the property of being perpetual (seeming ceaseless)
Ontological: of or relating to ontology (ontology: the metaphysical study of the nature of being and existence)
Putrid: morally corrupt or evil
Addled: confused and vague; used especially of thinking
Encroach: impinge or infringe upon
Innuendo: an indirect (and usually malicious)
Extricate: release from entanglement of difficulty
Circumscribe: restrict or contine, “I limit you to two visits to the store a day”
Palliative: moderating pain or sorrow by making it easier to bear
Commiserate: to feel or express sympathy or compassion
Eponymous: being or relating to or bearing the name of an eponym
Hamarita: a tragic flaw
Vernacular: native or indigenous language, language of people, opposed to literary language
Inexorable: unyielding/unalterable
Nihilism: nothingness or non-existence... an extreme form of skepticism (skepticism: the denail of all real existence or possibility of objective basis for truth)
Emulate: an imitation or a copy
Justification for the selection of terms:
The reasoning as to why these specific terms were chosen is because they were either the most frequently used terms in the novel, or the most confusing, by popular voting. For example, the word Phalanixifor was used multiple times in the novel before I truly understood what it was, and there are key terms in the vocabulary sheet such as Affliction. This will help new readers to understand some of the important terminology.
“Mr. And Mrs. Waters......” (Green 162)
Pathetic Fallacy: the attribution of human feelings and responses to inanimate things or animals, esp. in art and literature.
I chose this example because it was a remarkable example of pathetic fallacy. This is the scene where Hazel and Augustus have arrived in Amsterdam, and it is finally the evening of their highly anticipated date. Pathetic Fallacy is portrayed in this scene because the weather outside is perfect, and the city lights are all glimmering, and they are looking over an ocean view. This corresponds with their new love, and how it is blossoming because of the beautiful weather outside. As they admire the beauty outside of the window, they admire the beauty in one another. The food they have ordered is the best food they've ever had, corresponding with the fact that this is one of the best evenings they've ever had.
“I am in love with you.....”
(Green 153)
Suspense: a state or feeling of excited or anxious uncertainty about what may happen.
This quote is an example of suspense in the novel. Augustus, Hazel and Mrs. Lancaster have all boarded the plane to Amsterdam. As Mrs. Lancaster falls asleep instantaneously, Augustus and Hazel have some bonding time. Hazel is reading An Imperial Affliction by Augustus' request, and he is amazed by her memorizing abilities. He says the 3 words we as an audience have all been waiting for and Hazel is left speechless. She leaves the audience hanging, and this was one of the most suspenseful moments in the novel because we are unsure if she has been able to love him yet, how this will affect their trip, etc.
“It's a metaphor.....”
(Green 20)
Irony: the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect.
This is one of the most memorable quotes in the novel. This scene takes place at the beginning of the novel where Hazel and Augustus are hanging out for the first time. She asks him if he smokes and he explains that it is a metaphor. He says you put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing. This represents that he is in control of his own death in a sense. The entire metaphor is quite ironic, and it foreshadows for later on in the novel.
“Maybe okay will be our always,”
(Green 73)
Symbolism: the use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities
I chose this quote because it is a great example of symbolism. This quote is symbolizing the relationship between Hazel and Augustus. After one of their later conversations, Augustus makes the suggestion that the word “okay” will be their “always”. Always was the word that Monica and Issac used to describe their love for one another. This symbolizes their new liking for each other and it is also suspenseful because it makes you wonder if it is going to last, or if fate will repeat itself like it did with Issac and Monica.
“....some infinities are bigger than other infinities....”
(Green 260)
Unique Pieces of Description:
John Green is an amazing author, who has many quotes that are like no other. A major speech in this novel is the infinities speech. In this scene, this is Augustus' pre-funeral. Hazel is making a speech about her love for Augustus. She compares their love to being infinite and how some infinities are longer than others/bigger than others. This was Green's way of describing how some people get to love one another for longer period's than others but that love is still infinite and that it is just as real. It was one of the most beautiful descriptions of love I have ever heard in my life.
John Green is an amazing author, who has many quotes that are like no other. A major speech in this novel is the infinities speech. In this scene, this is Augustus' pre-funeral. Hazel is making a speech about her love for Augustus. She compares their love to being infinite and how some infinities are longer than others/bigger than others. This was Green's way of describing how some people get to love one another for longer period's than others but that love is still infinite and that it is just as real. It was one of the most beautiful descriptions of love I have ever heard in my life.
Overall, these specific writing styles justify the wonderful literature works of John Green. He manages to integrate many different themes and writing styles in such a creative way that it is mind blowing in a
~Snit Abrha
~Snit Abrha