Hazel's Parents' Fate: Coping and Purpose

Hazel's parents struggle with her illness, find ways to prepare for her death, and discover new purposes in life.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Constant Vigil

The Constant Vigil The Mother's Role Hazel's mother is her primary caregiver. She drives her everywhere, waits outside classes, and sleeps in the same room. She has given up her career. The Father's Grief Hazel's father works but is deeply emotional. He cries often. He struggles to accept Hazel's mortality. The Grenade Speech Hazel tells them she is a grenade. Her father cries. Her mother insists she is not. They are both hurting.

Mother's Secret Studies

Mother's Secret Studies The Discovery Hazel discovers her mother has been taking online classes for a master's in social work. She wants to counsel families in crisis. The Motivation Her mother wants to have a purpose after Hazel dies. She doesn't want to be just a grieving mother. Hazel's Approval Hazel is proud. She jokes that her mother will become a Patrick. She feels less guilty about dying.

The Promise

The Promise The Question Hazel asks her parents if they will stay together after she dies. They promise they will. The Reassurance Her father says they love each other and will go through it together. Her mother agrees. The Peace Hazel feels a measure of peace. She knows her parents will survive her. She can let go.

Throughout the story

Revealed after Augustus's death

After Augustus's death, summer