"The Fault in Our Stars": Analysis of Characters and Themes

John Green's novel, "The Fault in Our Stars," tells the poignant tale of two teenagers who fall in love amidst the looming shadow of cancer. Unlike typical teenage romance narratives, this story is marked by an unresolvable twist: both protagonists, Augustus and Hazel, grapple with the relentless grip of the disease. Right from the outset, they acknowledge that any relationship they embark upon has a finite lifespan. However, this grim reality doesn't deter them; instead, it draws them closer together, leading them to create enduring memories in the face of impending mortality. Beyond the realm of love, the novel explores profound themes such as the meaning of life, death, philosophy, acceptance, aspirations, friendship, and support. These multifaceted elements elevate "The Fault in Our Stars" beyond a mere teenage romance, establishing it as a classic work and a valuable addition to the realm of young adult literature. This essay aims to unravel the intricate layers of John Green's narrative, examining the characters, the exploration of time, the notion of being "star crossed," and the pervasive theme of life and death that permeate the story.

Analysis of the Main Characters

The novel's characters are far from the stereotypical teenagers one might encounter in typical young adult fiction. Augustus and Hazel are portrayed as exceptionally intelligent and witty individuals who frequently engage in quoting poetry and discussing philosophical matters. John Green masterfully infuses humor into the lives of these two teenagers, prompting readers to experience a rollercoaster of emotions that range from laughter to tears, contemplation to prayer, and hope for their characters' fates. The novel has received widespread acclaim, particularly for its exceptional characters. However, some critics argue that the characters' dialogue and behavior do not align with the typical speech and attitudes of today's teenagers. In response to this criticism, John Green stated, "I'm tired of adults telling teenagers that they aren't smart, that they can't read critically, that they aren't thoughtful" ("John Green: 'I'm Tired of Adults Telling Teenagers That They Aren't Smart'"). The story is narrated by Hazel Grace Lancaster, a character with a strong sense of what she should and should not do. This characteristic makes her immediately captivating to Augustus. Hazel is profoundly connected to reality; she accepts her disease without seeking special treatment or pity, instead favoring unvarnished truth. A reflection of her philosophy can be found in her words: "Whenever you read a cancer booklet or website or whatever, they always list depression among the side effects of cancer. But in fact, depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression is a side effect of dying" (Green). Hazel's tone is conversational and forthright, and Green skillfully captures the inner monologue of a teenage girl filled with dark and occasionally self-deprecating humor. For example, when she muses, "the diagnosis came three months after I got my first period. Like: Congratulations! You're a woman. Now die" (Green), Green deftly evokes both amusement and sadness simultaneously.

In contrast, Augustus possesses a distinct personality that sets him apart from Hazel, yet they share remarkable similarities. Augustus is handsome, charming, intelligent, and emotionally profound, albeit somewhat self-absorbed. Despite their differences, he forms a deep connection with Hazel and falls in love with her after meeting at a cancer support group. Augustus exudes humor, philosophy, outspokenness, and an unwavering determination to lead a meaningful life and leave his mark on the world. His idiosyncrasies paint him as the ideal young man that teenage girls adore, with the only drawback being his battle with cancer, the loss of a leg due to the disease, and the constant uncertainty that characterizes life in the shadow of illness.

Analysis of the Main Themes

The Theme of Time

John Green employs a rich tapestry of metaphors and symbolism throughout his work to convey the intricate nature of time or its absence. As Augustus astutely observes, "What a slut time is. She screws everybody." The central obsession of Hazel and Augustus in the novel revolves around a book titled "An Imperial Affliction," which chronicles the story of a girl named Ana, herself afflicted by cancer. This literary obsession becomes a focal point of their lives, with both protagonists delving into the text multiple times in a futile quest to decipher its unresolved ending. The book concludes abruptly mid-sentence, leaving Hazel and Augustus in agonizing suspense about the fate of its characters. The significance of this book lies in its profound resonance with Hazel's own life, wherein she identifies herself as Ana, haunted by the existential questions of what will become of those around her after her inevitable demise. Hazel's cancer is both rare and terminal, making her acutely aware of the fleeting nature of time. She likens herself to a live grenade, poised to detonate at any moment and cause devastation to those close to her.

Augustus, however, maintains a different perspective, as he counters, "You don't get to choose if you get hurt in this world...but you do have some say in who hurts you. I like my choices" (Green). In another poignant scene, Hazel and Augustus engage in a video game where his character valiantly sacrifices itself to save hers from an impending grenade explosion. The repetition of the term "grenade" poignantly underscores Hazel's perception of herself as a potential source of harm to others, contrasting with Augustus's unwavering love and disregard for such concerns.

"Star Crossed" Lovers

The notion of being "star crossed" is an apt metaphor for their ill-fated love, as external circumstances and their impending mortality conspire against their relationship. This echoes the iconic tale of Romeo and Juliet, where their love was thwarted by the enmity between their families. Furthermore, the title of the novel invokes a quote from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar," where Cassius laments, "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings." In contrast, "The Fault in Our Stars" presents an antithesis to this quote, portraying Hazel and Augustus as victims of an inexorable destiny imposed upon them by fate, rendering them helpless to alter their course.

Life and Death

Life and death emerge as pervasive themes within the narrative, particularly concerning Augustus's preoccupation with the legacy he will leave behind. He yearns for a life that will be remembered by all, and envisions his death as a legendary, heroic, and tragic event that will capture the world's attention. He aspires to a grandiose funeral where everyone discusses his life. Hazel, however, holds a differing perspective, asserting, "Usually someone’s worth in your life cannot be measured on a scale. You cannot give it a number between one and ten. Typically, you can only say it was mostly good, or mostly not. Then there are the Augustus Waters of the world, who so entirely change your life, their impact could never be erased." In this poignant reflection, Hazel underscores the profound influence Augustus has had on her life, suggesting that the depth of their connection defies quantification.

Conclusion

"The Fault in Our Stars" weaves a complex tapestry of emotions, touching on the essence of life, including love, friendship, aspirations, and acceptance. John Green's narrative alternates between heartwarming and chilling, prompting introspection on one's own memories and life experiences. Above all, the novel serves as a gentle reminder to cherish what we possess, embrace life without regrets, and accept it for all its imperfections.

Works Cited

1. Green, J. (n.d.). The Fault in Our Stars. Dutton Books.
2. John Green: 'I'm Tired of Adults Telling Teenagers That They Aren't Smart'. (2012, May 17). The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/may/17/john-green-interview
3. Green, J. (n.d.). The Fault in Our Stars: Quotes. Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/work/quotes/14029031
4. Green, J. (n.d.). The Fault in Our Stars: About the Author. John Green Books. https://johngreenbooks.com/the-fault-in-our-stars/