The Fault in Our Stars

Throughout the novel, Hazel compares the Sentimental Cancer Narratives often depicted in the media to what she, Augustus, and Isaac experience. In what ways do the characters and their experiences in The Fault in Our Stars differ from cancer narratives that might be commonly seen or read?

Consider these details as you reflect on the text to answer the question:

• The viewpoints of those in the Literal Heart of Jesus support group
• Augustus’s perspective as he experiences physical decline
• Van Houten’s beliefs, experiences, and character actions after Hazel’s trip to Amsterdam
• Hazel’s parents’ views and experiences
• Hazel’s two eulogies
• The various responses to Augustus’s death

Teaching Suggestion: To make clearer comparisons, students might create a T-chart to separate traditional media depictions from the characters’ experiences in the novel. Students may use this strategy as brainstorming prior to class discussion.

Differentiation Suggestion: For students who benefit from strategies for speaking aloud and sharing ideas in whole class discussions, consider utilizing a “pilot Socratic seminar” method. With this strategy, students form groups of 3; one individual is the speaker, and the other two help to curate and develop ideas to share by first writing them in note form to provide to the speaker.