The Fault in Our Stars

Andrea Huguenin

Religion 11

Period 2

John Green

3/7/18
Introduction

I chose the book The Fault in Our Stars by John Green because I had recently seen the

film adaptation and after some research discovered that John Green was a Christian. This may

not be plainly apparent in his writing, but it has found its way into the key themes of this novel.

Although very dark in certain parts, The Fault in Our Stars conveys a very hopeful message

about struggle and pain. It can teach us that we need to find our own way to make our mark on

the world, and in the end, we will find recognition in those that love us.

Summary

Hazel Grace Lancaster reluctantly attends a cancer patients' support group because her mother

forces her to. Because of her cancer, which is in her thyroid and lungs, she uses a portable

oxygen tank to breathe properly. In one of the meetings she catches the eye of a teenage boy,

whose name is Augustus Waters. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma but after the amputation

of his leg is now cancer free. He attends the Support Group to support his friend, Isaac, who is

losing his sight because of his cancer. Hazel and Augustus immediately connect and decide to

watch a movie together. Before they part, they share with each other their favorite novel. Hazel

tells him about An Imperial Affliction, a mysterious novel about a girl with cancer that abruptly

ends midsentence, and one that Hazel can deeply relate to. Through her multiple readings of the

book, Hazel has speculated about the fate of the many characters. The author, Peter Van Houten,

had fled to Amsterdam after publishing the book had not been heard from in years, so answers

could not come from him. Augustus manages to contact his assistant and in a grand romantic

gesture reveals to Hazel the proposition of a trip to the Netherlands to gain answers in person. As

her relationship with Augustus develops, Hazel is extremely hesitant because she is afraid of

hurting anyone she gets close to as a result of her inevitable death. To further complicate things,
Hazel suffers a serious episode in which her lungs fill with fluid and she has to be transported to

the ICU. After being released, she learns that Augustus never left the hospital’s waiting room.

After this, Hazel is more determined than ever to go to Amsterdam, but her parents and her team

of doctors don’t believe Hazel is strong enough to travel internationally. However, Dr. Maria,

one of the physicians most familiar with her case, convinces Hazel’s parents that Hazel is fit to

make the trip. When they arrive in Amsterdam, Hazel and Augustus quickly realize that Van

Houten is in reality a drunken narcissist. They do not let this ruin their trip and make the most of

their time. After they return to the United States, Hazel discovers that Augustus has developed a

recurrence of osteosarcoma that has metastasized throughout his entire body. His condition

deteriorates quickly, and after a moving prefuneral, Augustus Waters dies. To Hazel’s surprise,

Van Houten makes an appearance at Augustus’s funeral. As part of his last wish, Augustus asks

Van Houten to write a eulogy for Hazel, but at her request sends Augustus’ draft. The novel

closes with his words, a very moving speech about the inevitability of pain in the world and how

we can choose those who hurt us.

Characters

1. Hazel Grace Lancaster—Diagnosed at age thirteen with terminal cancer in her thyroid that

has now metastasized to her lungs, Hazel is a sixteen-year-old girl afraid of forming close

relationships out of fear that she will hurt all of her loved ones when she dies. When she

meets Augustus at Support Group, she is reluctant but cannot help falling in love with him.

2. Augustus Waters—Diagnosed with osteosarcoma, Augustus is a witty sixteen-year-old who

believes in grand romantic gestures and an extremely poetic lifestyle. He presents many

philosophical challenges and falls in love with Hazel after meeting her at Support Group.
3. Isaac—After losing his sight to cancer, Isaac is left by his girlfriend Monica and feels as

though his world has imploded. Hazel and Augustus help him deal with his new world while

his skepticism and cynical nature bring the two closer together.

4. Mrs. Lancaster—Hazel’s mother, who has devoted her life to her daughter’s care. For the

entirety of the novel Hazel is concerned about the emotional devastation that her death will

bring, but she is pleasantly surprised to find that her mother has been taking classes to

become a social worker.

5. Mr. Lancaster—Hazel’s father, who is very emotionally sensitive after dealing with Hazel’s

condition for such a long time. He spends most of his day at work and therefore does not

understand Hazel’s cancer as much.

6. Peter Van Houten—The author of the fictional novel An Imperial Affliction who is idolized

by Hazel but in reality, a tragic drunk who uses his intellectualism and blunt rudeness to wall

off emotions. The heartbreaking events of his past have left him as only a shadow of his

former self.

7. Lidewij Vliegenthart—Assistant to Peter Van Houten, this Dutch woman becomes the

primary line of communication between him and Hazel and Augustus. It is later revealed that

she has essentially become his caretaker, as he often spirals into a drunken rage.

8. Patrick—The only adult present in the literal heart of Jesus and the leader of the cancer

support group Hazel, Augustus, and Isaac attend. His history of testicular cancer which was

resolved through amputation provides comic relief throughout parts of the novel.

Conclusion

I very much enjoyed The Fault in Our Stars by John Green. I enjoyed it because of its

complex philosophical themes that allow for a more realistic approach to series topics such as
suffering and death through the lens of a teenager. Although fictional, John Green presents a

narrative that seems very realistic. He is able to establish very complex and flexible character

that develop immensely. The strong emotional connections do make the reader sad to read about

Augustus’s death, but I see how it is necessary to convey the main message of the necessity of

suffering in the world. I was very surprised by Peter Van Houten’s late appearance and his tragic

backstory. The overarching themes of the story convey effectively that the world consists not

entirely of sunshine and rainbows, but that we can all find our own infinities and leave our mark

on the world.