The Value of Noticing and Paying Attention

The novel champions the act of noticing the world and others as a form of heroism and love.

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The Universe Wants to Be Noticed

The Universe Wants to Be Noticed The Father's Belief Hazel's father says the universe is biased toward consciousness. It wants to be noticed. The Obligation Hazel feels she owes the universe her attention. She must notice the world. The Theme Noticing is a form of gratitude and love. It gives meaning to existence.

The Confetti

The Confetti The Elm Seeds Hazel and Augustus watch the elm seeds fall like confetti. They notice the beauty. The Moment They sit in the Vondelpark and watch the shadows. Augustus says it's a good metaphor. The Attention They are present in the moment. They notice each other and the world. This is their heroism.

The Letter's Conclusion

The Letter's Conclusion The Definition of Heroism Augustus writes that the real heroes are the people noticing things. He gives the example of the smallpox vaccine. The Application Hazel is a hero because she notices. She pays attention to him, to the world, to the small things. The Legacy This is the legacy Augustus leaves: the importance of attention. Hazel carries it forward.

After Augustus's death, conversation with father

In Amsterdam

After Augustus's death