Hazel vs. Her Mortality

The Fault in Our Stars

Hazel's internal struggle with the inevitability of her death, her desire to live, and her fear of hurting others.

increasingupBearing stren­gth in each eventdowndecreasing
The Grenade MetaphorThe Grenade Metaphor
The Grenade Metaphor The Realization Hazel tells her parents she is a grenade. She will blow up and hurt everyone around her. She wants to minimize casualties. The Argument Her parents disagree. They say she brings them joy. Hazel is not convinced. The Isolation Hazel tries to keep Augustus at arm's length. She texts him that she can't kiss him. He understands but persists.
The ICU ExperienceThe ICU Experience
The ICU Experience The Pain Hazel nearly dies from fluid buildup. She is in the ICU. She hears a child die. The Fear She is terrified. She wants to live. She realizes she is not ready to die. The Resolution After recovery, she decides to live fully. She agrees to go to Amsterdam. She embraces her time with Augustus.
The Aftermath of Augustus's DeathThe Aftermath of Augustus's Death
The Aftermath of Augustus's Death The Grief Hazel is devastated. She feels the great and terrible ten on the pain scale. She struggles to find meaning. The Anger She is angry at the universe. She reads condolence messages and feels they are hollow. The Acceptance Through her parents' love and Augustus's letter, she begins to accept. She realizes that pain is part of love.
After the picnic with Augustus, spring
After the headache, spring
After the funeral