The Idea of 'Side Effects' and Being a Grenade

Hazel's metaphor of being a side effect and a grenade encapsulates her view of herself as a burden, which she eventually overcomes.

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The Side Effect

The Side Effect The Definition Hazel says depression is a side effect of dying. Cancer is a side effect of dying. Almost everything is. The Book Quote An Imperial Affliction calls people "barnacles on the container ship of consciousness." Hazel agrees. The Identity Hazel sees herself as a side effect—an accidental byproduct of evolution.

The Grenade Speech

The Grenade Speech The Metaphor Hazel tells her parents she is a grenade. She will blow up and hurt everyone. She wants to minimize casualties. The Rejection Her parents refuse to accept it. They say she brings them joy. The Struggle Hazel tries to keep Augustus at a distance. She doesn't want to hurt him.

The Transformation

The Transformation The Reversal Hazel realizes that Augustus is now the grenade. She chooses to stay with him despite the pain. The Acceptance She learns that love involves risk. Being a grenade doesn't mean she shouldn't love. The Resolution Hazel accepts her own mortality and the pain it will cause. She lives fully in the present.

Early in the story

After the picnic, spring

After Augustus's recurrence