Hazel vs. Augustus's Romantic Expectations

Hazel's reluctance to fully engage in a romantic relationship due to her fear of hurting Augustus, and his persistence in loving her.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The First Touch

The First Touch The Tension Augustus touches Hazel's cheek. She tenses up. She feels it is wrong. The Analysis Hazel realizes she is afraid of hurting him. She sees herself as a grenade. The Text She texts Augustus that she can't kiss him. He responds with understanding. He says okay is a flirty word.

The Amsterdam Kiss

The Amsterdam Kiss The Moment In the Anne Frank House, Hazel and Augustus kiss. She feels breathless in a new way. She likes her body for the first time. The Surrender Hazel stops resisting. She tells Augustus she loves him. They have sex. The Aftermath Hazel writes a love letter. She is fully invested. The grenade metaphor fades.

The Recurrence

The Recurrence The Revelation Augustus tells Hazel his cancer has returned. She is devastated. She now faces the grenade from the other side. The Commitment Hazel chooses to stay. She says she will ride the roller coaster with him. She loves him despite the pain. The Resolution Hazel learns that loving someone means accepting the risk of hurt. She no longer tries to protect herself.

At the Dutch picnic, spring

At the Anne Frank House

Morning after the kiss