IndexAnalysis of the main charactersAnalysis of the main themesThe theme of timeLovers of "Star Crossed"Life and deathConclusionWorks CitedJohn Green's novel, "The Fault in Our Stars" tells the moving story of two teenagers who fall in love in the looming shadow of cancer Unlike typical adolescent romantic narratives, this story is characterized by an unsolvable twist: both protagonists, Augustus and Hazel, are grappling with the relentless grip of the disease from the beginning, they recognize that every relationship they enter into has a limited lifespan. However, this sad reality does not discourage them, but rather brings them closer, leading them to create lasting memories in the face of impending mortality. In the realm of love, the novel explores profound themes such as meaning of life, death, philosophy, acceptance, aspirations, friendship and support. These multifaceted elements elevate "The Fault in Our Stars" beyond a simple teenage love story, establishing it as a classic work and a valuable addition to the realm of young adult literature. This essay aims to unravel the intricate layers of John Green's fiction, examining characters, the exploration of time, the concept of being "star-crossed," and the pervasive theme of life and death that permeates the story. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Analysis of the Main Characters The characters in the novel are far from the stereotypical teenagers one might encounter in typical young adult fiction. Augustus and Hazel are depicted as exceptionally intelligent and witty individuals who often engage in quoting poetry and discussing philosophical matters. John Green masterfully infuses humor into the lives of these two teenagers, pushing readers to experience a swing of emotions ranging from laughter to tears, from contemplation to prayer and hope for the fate of their characters. The novel received widespread acclaim, particularly for its exceptional characters. However, some critics argue that the characters' dialogue and behavior are not in line with the typical speech and attitudes of today's teenagers. In response to this criticism, John Green stated, "I'm tired of adults telling teenagers that they're not smart, that they can't read critically, that they're not thoughtful" ("John Green: 'I'm Tired of Adults Saying to teenagers who are not intelligent'"). The story is narrated by Hazel Grace Lancaster, a character with a strong sense of what she should and shouldn't do. This feature makes it immediately appealing to Augusto. Hazel is deeply connected to reality; he accepts his illness without seeking special treatment or pity, preferring instead the raw truth. A reflection of his philosophy can be found in his words: “Whenever you read a cancer brochure, website or whatever, they always list depression among the side effects of cancer. But in reality, depression is not a side effect of cancer. Depression is a side effect of death" (Green). Hazel's tone is conversational and candid, and Green deftly captures a teenage girl's internal monologue full of dark and occasionally self-deprecating humor. For example, when she reflects, "the diagnosis came three months after I had my first period. Like: Congratulations! You're a woman. Now you die" (Green), Green deftly evokes amusement and sadness simultaneously. In contrast, Augustus possesses a distinct personality that sets him apart from Hazel, but they share notable similarities. Augustus is handsome,charming, intelligent and emotionally deep, if a little self-centered. Despite their differences, he forms a deep bond with Hazel and falls in love with her after meeting at a cancer support group. Augustus exudes humor, philosophy, forthrightness, and an unwavering determination to lead a meaningful life and make his mark on the world. His idiosyncrasies paint him as the ideal young man that girls adore, with the only drawback being his battle with cancer, the loss of a leg to the disease, and the constant uncertainty that characterizes life in the shadow of the disease . Major ThemesThe theme of timeJohn Green uses a rich tapestry of metaphors and symbolism throughout his work to convey the intricate nature of time or lack thereof. As Augustus astutely observes, "What a slutty time it is. She screws everyone." Hazel and Augustus' central obsession in the novel revolves around a book titled "An Imperial Affliction," which tells the story of a girl named Ana, herself suffering from cancer. This literary obsession becomes a focal point of their lives, with both protagonists delving into the text multiple times in a futile quest to decipher its unresolved ending. The book ends abruptly mid-sentence, leaving Hazel and Augustus in agonizing suspense over the fate of its characters. The significance of this book lies in its profound resonance with Hazel's life, in which she identifies as Ana, haunted by the existential questions of what will become of those around her after her inevitable passing. Hazel's cancer is rare and terminal, making her acutely aware of the fleeting nature of time. It compares itself to a live grenade, ready to explode at any moment and cause devastation to those around it. Augustus, however, maintains a different perspective, as he retorts, "You don't get to choose whether to get hurt in this case." world...but you have a say in who hurts you, I like my choices" (Green). In another touching scene, Hazel and Augustus engage in a video game in which her character valiantly sacrifices himself to save the his from the imminent explosion of a grenade. The repetition of the term "grenade" poignantly highlights Hazel's perception of herself as a potential source of harm to others, in contrast to Augustus's unwavering love and contempt for such concerns. “Starry Lovers” The concept of being “starry” is an apt metaphor for their star-crossed love, as external circumstances and their impending mortality conspire against their relationship. This echoes the iconic story of Romeo and Juliet. where their love was hindered by the enmity between their families Furthermore, the title of the novel recalls a quote from Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar", where Cassius laments: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but. in ourselves, who are subordinate." In contrast, "The Fault in Our Stars" presents an antithesis to this quote, portraying Hazel and Augustus as victims of an inexorable fate imposed on them by fate, rendering them incapable of changing their course. Life and DeathLife and death emerge as pervasive themes. within the narrative, particularly regarding Augustus' concern for the legacy he will leave behind. He longs for a life that will be remembered by all, and envisions his death as a legendary, heroic, and tragic event that will capture the world's attention. He longs for a grand funeral where everyone discusses his life. Hazel, however, has a different perspective, stating, “Usually the value of someone in your life can't be measured on a scale. You can't give them a number between one and ten. Typically, you can only say it was for mostly good, or mostly not/