The Role of Metaphor and Storytelling

The novel reflects on how metaphors and stories help people make sense of suffering and mortality.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Unlit Cigarette

The Unlit Cigarette The Metaphor Augustus carries an unlit cigarette. He says it's a metaphor: putting the killing thing between his teeth without giving it power. The Explanation Hazel is initially disgusted, then understands. It represents his control over death. The Theme The novel shows how metaphors help people cope with the unbearable.

The Encouragements

The Encouragements The Plaques Augustus's house is full of inspirational sayings. He mocks them but also finds comfort. The Critique The novel critiques easy platitudes like "Without pain, how could we know joy?" Hazel finds them stupid. The Need for Stories Despite the critique, the novel acknowledges that humans need stories and metaphors to endure.

The Letter as Story

The Letter as Story The Final Metaphor Augustus's letter to Van Houten is his final story. He writes that Hazel walks lightly upon the earth. The Power This metaphor gives Hazel comfort. It becomes her legacy. The Conclusion The novel suggests that the stories we tell about each other are what matter most.

First meeting

Throughout the story

After Augustus's death