Existentialism In John Green, The Fault In Our Stars
“But it is the nature of stars to cross, and never was Shakespeare more wrong than when he has Cassius note, ‘The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars. But in ourselves.” “What matters to you defines your mattering.”
–John Green, The Fault In Our Stars
Existentialism is a philosophy that highlights individual existence, freedom and choice. It is the view that humans define their own meaning in life, and try to make rational decisions despite existing in an irrational universe. It focuses on the question of human existence, and the feeling that there is no purpose or explanation at the core of existence. It holds that, as there is no God or any other transcendent force, the only way to counter this nothingness (and hence to find meaning in life) is by embracing existence. (Mastin, 2008)
Thus, Existentialism believes that individuals are entirely free and must take personal responsibility for themselves. It therefore emphasizes action, freedom and decision as fundamental, and holds that the only way to rise above the essentially absurd condition of humanity is by exercising our personal freedom and choice. (Mastin, 2008)
This novel by John Green may appear on the superficial aspect as an ordinary tragic love story between Hazel Lancaster and Augustus Waters; and the struggles of two in love teenagers through cancer, the book may even give you tears when you behold their mettle during their fight against the immense malady. Nonetheless what caught my attention is their
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