The Fault in Our Stars by John Green

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (Narrative Response #1- Option C & D)

In the book The Fault in our Stars by John Green, Hazel Grace, the main character, has been battling cancer for most of her life. As the story goes along, her thoughts change completely. Hazel’s point of view on life and living changes completely, all thanks to Augustus Waters. The author suggests that there can have hope and happiness, all someone would need is effort and a small try.

Being a cancer survivor for Hazel Grace has been difficult. Hazel was depressed and spent most of her time alone. Hazel would spend time alone, in her bed, she rarely left the house and she always thought about death. She had many complications on the inside and outside of her body. Hazel must consume steroid-like drugs to slow the cancer cells growth. She also carries an oxygen tank around with her. She needs the oxygen and her cannula tube; it is what keeps her breathing. She also must walk slowly to keep her from having any shortness of breath. Hazel is depressed about everything. She feels her life and her being alive has affected her parents to much. However, Hazel’s parents suggest her to a group, the support group, which is made for patients with medical problems. She resists at first, but then makes a deal with her mom and attends.

My response to Hazel’s actions is disappointing to me. Instead of giving another opportunity to her life, she is only doing what she can; she spends her time watching reruns of America’s Next Top Model. She needs to go out and be alive. No matter how far she goes, she must explore outside her home. It could save stress from thinking about when she will die and how she will die. She has to change her mind; she has to learn that even if she is not healthy physically, she can be happy emotionally. In the end it could help her get past each day. However, Hazel has her own reason to feel upset, the Cancer has taken over her life, and it’s affected everyone round her as well. Helping Hazel make it through everyday with someone like a friend would be ideal for Hazel. All Hazel has to do is go for it. No waiting around for someone to come, she has to go and find that special person who she can connect to.  

As Patrick, the leader of the Support Group asks its member to tell the others their Name, Age and Diagnosis. Hazel has been through this procedure a 100 times, so she knows what to say. However, Hazel sees a new member, Augustus Waters.  When Augustus is asked about his fears, he replies:

“I’m on a Rollercoaster that only goes up, my friend.”

Augustus, or Gus, has always fought against Cancer. He won the battle but lost the war. He was unable to fight against Cancer. The Cancer had taken over his body; he had a little time left. Hazel was there with him always. The same line he said during the Support Group Meeting was one of the last words he said to Isaac and Hazel. I think it doesn’t matter whether he survived or not, but the fact that he used his time well and did the best he could to stay happy will he lived was extraordinary and courageous.