Three Types Of Love In The Fault In Our Stars

“Love” is a little bit difficult to describe in English. The only way the language can describe love is through the word “love”. Although people may love different things (or people), the love that best friends receive is not the same as the love they receive from their spouse. Love covers all. The Greek language has more to offer than one word in terms of love. John Green’s The fault in our stars shows many different types of love. These three are most obvious: agape, love, and philia. Hazel Grace Lancaster is sixteen years old and has been diagnosed with cancer. She experiences eros as well as philia and receives some agape.

Agape means a love that doesn’t expect or want anything. Hazel gets agape from both her mother and father. Mrs. Lancaster is available to her dying daughter every day. Mrs. Lancaster feels guilty when she doesn’t do anything to improve Hazel’s life. The author reveals to the reader that she attended school to become an social worker. This was to make sure she is ready to work again after Hazel has passed away. Hazel was not informed of this information because she did not want Hazel to feel forgotten. Hazel would not feel abandoned by her, so she kept the information from her. Hazel is obsessed in finding the answers for unanswered problems in his book An Imperial Affliction. But he doesn’t share these details over email. Her mother is furious when she receives the email. Mrs. Lancaster bursts from her bedroom seconds later, clutching her towel and dripping with suds. She was about to shower but wanted Hazel to be okay.

Hazel shares her story and asks for help. Mrs. Lancaster remarked on the inability to afford it. Hazel becomes aware of how her parents lack money. In that same moment, Mrs. Lancaster also feels the need to make Hazel happy and she expresses this to her daughter by saying that she will speak to Mr. Lancaster. Hazel rejects the idea because she is aware of all her parents’ help.

This scene really shows Mrs. Lancaster’s affection for her daughter. Their savings are almost gone and they have to pay the mounting medical bills. But she knows this may be the best thing for Hazel who might not live as long. It is clear to her that this is the right thing to do. She doesn’t care how much or how long it takes, nor what the cost will be. She gives Hazel everything she can and continues to give her all. Even if it means she will be without certain things, Mrs. Lancaster continues to do this.

Philia is another type of love. Philia is often shared among friends. It’s about valuing and supporting each other’s good qualities. Hazel meets Augustus Waters and also meets Isaac, Augustus’ best friend. They are always there for one another, no matter what. Augustus is Isaac’s best friend. Augustus is the same way. He will do whatever it takes to help Isaac.

Augustus helps Monica and Isaac the night they break up. Isaac faces the possibility of having his cancer removed. It is possible that Isaac will go blind after this operation. Augustus has a lot of fun with Isaac, and eventually invites Hazel over to play. Augustus gives Isaac permission to burn his basketball trophies as Isaac continues to vent his frustrations on the pillow. The Night of Broken Trophies is thus named. Augustus is known for his willingness to do whatever it takes to make Isaac feel better.

Augustus is also able to show philia when Isaac becomes blind. Isaac becomes increasingly frustrated when Monica doesn’t even call him to check on his progress. Augustus and Hazel bring Isaac to Monica. Augustus, Hazel and Monica continue to help Isaac eggs the house.

Isaac displays his love for Augustus in a fake-eulogy. In his eulogy, Isaac reflects on how dear Augustus is to him. He talks about how, should he ever be able to see again the world, he wouldn’t want to do it without Augustus.

Eros is the most romantic type of love. This is the love between lovers that is passionate and sensual. Augustus is a victim of this love. They are attracted to each other and want to love one another. Hazel initially fears this love. She doesn’t want Augustus to suffer the same fate as her former girlfriend. She eventually caves to both her and Augustus’s desires.

Augustus spends “Wish” money on Hazel, and then takes her to Amsterdam for Peter Van Houten’s meeting. Hazel becomes very upset when Peter Van Houten doesn’t answer her questions satisfactorily. Augustus consoles her. They eventually ended their relationship and gave up control.

The Fault In Our Stars is emotional heavy because it is full of different kinds of love: philia, agape and eros. Hazel is shown agape by her mother who acts altruistically and cares for her child without expecting anything back. Augustus & Isaac, best friends, are great examples of philia. Augustus’ and Hazel’s love for one another and their selflessness is an incredibly touching sign of their eros. The Fault in Our Stars doesn’t tell about death, but love.