Hazel vs. Her Parents' Overprotection

Hazel's struggle for independence against her parents' constant care and worry, culminating in a confrontation and reconciliation.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Smothering

The Smothering The Constant Presence Hazel's mother is always there. She waits outside classes, sleeps in the same room. Hazel feels suffocated. The Arguments Hazel argues with her mother about attending Support Group, eating dinner, and going out. She wants freedom. The Grenade Speech Hazel tells her parents she is a grenade. She wants to protect them. They refuse to accept it.

The Confrontation

The Confrontation The Fight Hazel's mother insists she eat dinner. Hazel snaps, saying she is dying and her mother won't be a mom anymore. The Revelation Her mother reveals she is taking classes to become a social worker. She has a plan for after Hazel's death. The Reconciliation Hazel apologizes. She is proud of her mother. They hug. The conflict resolves.

Throughout the story

After Augustus's death, summer