Answers

As humans, it’s natural for us to seek for answers to the unknown. In The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, Green explores the inevitability of loss and complexity of human values. The novel revolves around Hazel and Augustus who are fraught with cancer and face the imminent threat of death. However, that doesn’t stop them from pursuing a relationship all whilst knowing that one will be utterly destroyed over whoever dies first. They embark on a journey in pursuit of answers to life, but instead formulate their own during the process.

Both Hazel and Augustus are hesitant to form a more intimate relationship since their first meeting at a cancer support group in the beginning. Hazel fears the grief she’ll cause Augustus once she passes away first, and she compares herself to a grenade. However, the tides change, and Augustus reveals later on that he is then suffering from the spread of cancer cells in his whole body. This forces both characters to assess themselves and tread lightly, sculpting themselves into the perfect, rawest version of themselves they can present. They learn to face the inevitable death without fear, to cherish the short moments they still have, and to live their lives without regret.

Green’s portrayal of the two main characters represents the intricacies of humanity, which is one of the greatest successes in this coming of age novel. Hazel and Augustus are exceedingly different from your conventional teenagers: They quote authors in speech, speak philosophically, and express levels of maturity beyond their age. Hazel Lancaster, while remaining pessimistic about her condition in the beginning, has shown immense growth in her attitude through her time with Augustus. However, Green juxtaposes her mental growth with her deteriorating health to create a stark contrast between the two, which he applies to the theme of balance. Something must be lost for something to be gained. This also relates to the overarching crux of the novel, which is predominantly life and death, and how both maintain equilibrium. Augustus’s death in the end represents the necessary sacrifice for the memories that he and Hazel made. In the end, Augustus proclaims that although they don’t have control over their lives, they can choose who to spend it with. He states that he likes his choice, and wonders if Hazel thinks the same way. Hazel’s final tear jerking quote, “I do,” epitomizes the result of her character growth, as well as the confirmation of the intertwining of these two beautiful souls.

Augustus, throughout the novel, evolves into a mature young man who initially debuts his entrance with a facade of grandeur. He is invested in the idea of accomplishing magnificent things for his name to leave a mark on history. Insecurities and his denial of sickness make him distressed, which he hides by putting on an everlasting performance. As interaction between Hazel and him increases, he learns to cherish their time together more than anything. His realization allows him to understand that the absence of doing something great in his life doesn’t affect his legacy but the feelings he leaves people with does. With that in mind, Augustus begins to be his true self, giving rise to Gus who sheds his mask in this solo-masquerade. A much more intimate name for a much more authentic character, that is.

Hazel and Augustus do not allow their illness to become their defining characteristics. Although they start on different paths, both paths eventually merge and become one in which they walk side by side. As Augustus writes, “You don't get to choose if... I like my choices,” there are no more regrets between them. Although lives are lost and tears are shed, there is no doubt that they discover the answers that they have been looking for.