The Fault in Our Stars by John Green: The Essence of Fiction
John Green’s novel The Fault in Our Stars is a beautiful execution of the brevity of life and how even with a limited amount of time, one’s life can still be deeply profound.
Set in Indianapolis, we follow the story of sixteen-year-old Hazel Grace Lancaster, who was diagnosed with stage IV thyroid cancer with the formation of metastasis in her lungs but nonetheless has managed to live with her illness thanks to doses of the experimental drug Phalanxifor, which only exists within the story.
Hazel’s mother, certain that her daughter is often depressed, enrols Hazel in a support group that meets every Wednesday in the church basement, referred to as “the Literal Heart of Jesus”.
While attending these sessions, she crosses paths with Augustus Waters (Gus), a seventeen-year-old boy who has lost a leg due to osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer.
Upon their initial encounter, Augustus instantly falls for Hazel, drawn to her after she shares her perspective on life and death.
As the novel progresses, we learn that their bond develops through experiences that go beyond this initial intellectual exchange.
Through their later discussions, it is revealed that the two characters share concerns over life and death; however, Augustus’ concern arises from the desire to avoid fading into oblivion after his death—a fear that drives his obsession with fulfilling a heroic act, one that will ensure he’s recognised beyond his passing.
Hazel and Gus are destined for heartbreak, as Hazel’s cancer is guaranteed to eventually kill her.
This reason prevents her from wanting to pursue a meaningful connection with Gus in hopes of shielding him from heartbreak and devastation when she ultimately passes; in time, Hazel’s emotions give in, and she finally confesses her affection during a picturesque dinner scene.
Her relationship with Augustus prompts a shift in her perspective of life and death and also enables her to understand the impact of her death on others.
Their shared experiences teach Hazel the value of opening up to loved ones and the thrill of spontaneity and risks, as we see through their trip to Amsterdam together to seek out Peter Van Houten, the author of Hazel’s favourite novel—this book holds personal significance to Hazel as its main character also suffers from cancer.
This trip they embark on provides the two with the opportunity to discover life beyond their condition and to accept the joy in the present moment surrounded by those whom they love.
Through his novel, Green underlines the importance of fiction within literature, and it’s presented as a prominent theme throughout The Fault in Our Stars; this is clearly depicted through Hazel’s relationship with her most-loved book, An Imperial Affliction, as she finds that it’s the only story she’s read about dying from cancer that truly reflects her own experience, and hence refers to the book as her own personal bible.
When Augustus reaches out to Van Houten to convey the meaningful influence his book had on his life, the author contemplates the value of fiction, if any—perhaps it offers a momentary escape from reality, in which one can delve into the depths of their imagination, or perhaps not.
However, the author’s note included at the beginning of the novel provides us with Green’s perspective as to whether fiction holds value, to which he contends that it does; he concludes that the solidarity Hazel finds in An Imperial Affliction proves once and for all that fantasy stories can truly be profound.
