The Critique of Cancer Culture

The novel challenges the inspirational cancer narrative, rejecting platitudes and the pressure to be a heroic fighter.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Support Group Circle Jerk

The Support Group Circle Jerk The Description Hazel calls Support Group a circle jerk of support. Everyone talks about fighting and winning. The Competitiveness She observes the competitiveness among cancer kids. Everyone wants to outlast the others. The Rejection Hazel rejects this narrative. She doesn't feel like a fighter. She is just living.

The Inspiration Label

The Inspiration Label Lida's Comment Lida calls Hazel an inspiration. Hazel retorts that she would trade her strength for Lida's remission. The Guilt Hazel feels guilty for being called strong. She knows she is just surviving. The Critique The novel criticizes the way society romanticizes sick people. It denies their humanity.

The Funeral Sermon

The Funeral Sermon The Minister's Words The minister says Augustus is healed and whole in heaven. Hazel is disgusted. The Platitudes She gives a eulogy full of platitudes because funerals are for the living. She feels like a hypocrite. The Truth The novel insists on the messy, painful truth over comforting lies.

Throughout the story

At Support Group, before Amsterdam

At Augustus's funeral