Summer Reading 3: The Fault in Our Stars

Study Notes

John Green, born on August 24, 1977, is a renowned American author.
Known for young adult novels, his notable works include Looking for Alaska, Paper Towns, and The Fault in Our Stars.
Green's writing often incorporates philosophical themes.

Hazel Grace Lancaster: Main character, 17 years old, battling thyroid cancer for three years.
- Avoids forming deep relationships to minimize the emotional impact of her death.
- Attends cancer support group while primarily connected to her parents.
Augustus Waters (Gus): 16-year-old with a prosthetic leg due to osteosarcoma.
- Charismatic and romantic, insists on living boldly despite his illness.
- Deeply loves Hazel and desires to make a significant impact before his death.

Hazel's cancer spread to her lungs, necessitating oxygen support.
Forms a connection with Augustus at a support group, despite her reluctance to engage romantically.
They plan a trip to Amsterdam to meet a reclusive author of Hazel's favorite book, seeking answers about its ambiguous ending.
Encounter a disillusioning meeting with the author, who is drunk and unkind.
Augustus learns his cancer has returned, and Hazel provides unwavering support until his death.
At Augustus's funeral, Hazel discovers the author's book was based on his own daughter, providing her a way to cope with her grief through a letter from Augustus.

Incurable Illness:
- Various characters face different types of cancer, including thyroid (Hazel), osteosarcoma (Gus), eye cancer (Isaac), and leukemia (Anna).
- Sick youths grapple with mortality in a way that healthy children often do not.
Love and Friendship:
- Hazel avoids relationships for fear of causing pain, while Augustus embraces love without hesitation.
- Friendships also explored, notably between Hazel and Kaitlyn, and Isaac and Monica.
Death:
- Central to the narrative, with characters exhibiting varied beliefs about life and its meaning.
- Augustus seeks a remarkable legacy; Hazel grapples with existential doubt regarding life after death.
Lack of Freedom:
- Characters lack agency due to their illness compared to typical teenagers.
- Cancer serves as an omnipresent force, dictating their choices and experiences.
Meaning of Life and Death:
- Augustus equates a fulfilling life with grand achievements and finds hope in the notion of something after death.
- Hazel's outlook is more pragmatic, focused on minimizing harm and questioning the existence of an afterlife.
- Isaac approaches life through connections with love and friendship despite his challenges.