The story of Hazel and Gus from John Green's bestselling novel "The Fault in Our Stars" resonated with millions worldwide. Many were left wondering why, in such a tear-jerking novel, Hazel did not read the eulogy she had written for Gus when he passed away. In this article, we delve into the reasons behind that choice and the significance that eulogies hold in contemporary society.
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Table of Contents
Understanding The Story
In "The Fault in Our Stars," Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus "Gus" Waters are two teenagers living with cancer who fall in love. Throughout the story, both characters endure emotional and physical turbulence, which ultimately leads to Gus' inevitable demise. Before his death, Gus asks Hazel to write and read him a eulogy, however, she never ends up reciting it at his funeral. In pondering this choice of narrative, several factors come into play.
Emotional Turmoil
Firstly, Hazel's emotional state must be considered. After losing Gus, the love of her life, and reading the eulogy to him while he was still alive, reliving and sharing those thoughts during his funeral might have felt too overwhelming for her. Grief and coping with loss can manifest in different ways, and in Hazel's case, it may have prevented her from publicly expressing her sorrow in front of the gathered friends and family.
Preserving Intimacy
Another reason why Hazel might have chosen not to read the eulogy for Gus could be the desire to preserve the intimacy that they shared. The eulogy she had written was deeply personal and served as a token of her love for Gus. Sharing it with a large audience might have felt like exposing a vulnerable aspect of their relationship, which she would rather keep private and cherish in her memory.
Literary Purpose
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From a literary standpoint, the decision not to include the eulogy reading also serves a purpose. By leaving out Hazel's eulogy for Gus, John Green highlights the unfinished nature of their story and the abruptness with which life can change. Grief, longing, and empty spaces left behind become more apparent, and these themes resonate strongly with the readers, leaving a lasting impact.
The Role of Eulogies
The discussion around Hazel's decision not to read the eulogy for Gus serves as a reminder on consideration of eulogies' importance in our lives. Eulogies play an essential role in many funerals, serving as a way to remember and celebrate the life of the deceased, providing solace to family members and friends, and offering closure and healing for those left behind. Crafting a eulogy can be an act of love and a powerful emotional outlet for the bereaved.
Why Didn'T Hazel Read The Eulogy For Gus Example:
In a scenario where Hazel might have decided to read the eulogy she wrote for Gus at his funeral, her words would have likely captured the essence of his personality, their cherished moments together, and the deep sorrow caused by his absence. The power and emotion present in those words would have undoubtedly moved everyone present at the ceremony and helped provide comfort in a difficult time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are Hazel and Gus?
Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus "Gus" Waters are the main characters in the novel "The Fault in Our Stars" by John Green. They are teenagers who meet in a cancer support group and develop a deep romantic relationship.
What is the significance of the eulogy in the story?
The eulogy represents Hazel's opportunity to express her feelings and thoughts about Gus and to say goodbye to him. It is a significant emotional moment that encapsulates their relationship and the impact they had on each other's lives.
Why was the reading of the eulogy an anticipated event?
Readers anticipated the reading of the eulogy because it was expected to be Hazel's ultimate expression of love and grief for Gus. It was also anticipated as a climax of emotional intensity within the narrative.
Why didn't Hazel read the eulogy for Gus?
Hazel chose not to read her eulogy to Gus publicly during his funeral because she believed that her truest words about him were just for him, and not for an audience. This decision reflects the intimate and personal nature of their bond.
Is there a deeper meaning to Hazel's decision?
Hazel's decision to keep her most heartfelt thoughts private underscores themes of authenticity and the intensely personal nature of grief and love in the story. It also suggests the idea that some sentiments are too sacred to be shared.
How does Hazel ultimately share her feelings about Gus?
Hazel shares her eulogy with Gus before his death, ensuring that her words are for him and him alone. This moment is a poignant exchange that reflects the honesty and openness that characterized their relationship.
How did fans of the book react to Hazel's decision?
Many fans were initially surprised by Hazel's decision not to read the eulogy publicly, but they often come to understand her choice as fitting with her character and the sincerity of her feelings for Gus.
What does Hazel's decision teach us about coping with loss and grief?
Hazel's decision teaches us that coping with loss is a personal journey and that there is no right or wrong way to grieve. It highlights the importance of honoring one's emotions and the privacy of personal connections in the face of death.
Does Hazel eventually find closure after Gus's death?
Through her journey, Hazel does find a form of closure that aligns with her personality and the reality of her experience. She learns to carry her memories of Gus and their time together as a part of her life moving forward.
How does Gus's character influence Hazel's choices after his death?
Gus's optimism and his desire to be remembered with dignity influence Hazel to live her life with intention and to cherish her memories of him without being solely defined by her grief.
Did Gus know about Hazel's private feelings for him?
Gus was aware of Hazel's deep feelings for him. Their open communication and the baring of true emotions to each other was a cornerstone of their relationship, exemplified when Hazel initially shares her eulogy with him.
Did Hazel share the eulogy with anyone else?
It is not explicitly stated in the story whether Hazel shares the eulogy with anyone else. The focus remains on the intimate moment when she shares it with Gus himself.
In the story, how does Hazel cope with her own illness?
Hazel copes with her illness with a blend of pragmatism, humor, and introspection. She is deeply reflective about her condition and the impact it has on her life and the lives of those around her.
What role does writing and sharing eulogies play in the process of mourning?
Writing and sharing eulogies can play a significant role in the mourning process, offering a way for the living to articulate their grief, celebrate the life of the deceased, and find a communal sense of closure.
How does Hazel's youth affect her perspective on death and dying?
Hazel's youth and her experiences with illness give her a unique perspective on death and dying. She faces her mortality with a mixture of wisdom beyond her years and the raw emotion characteristic of a teenager.
Are the themes of life and death explored differently because the characters are young?
The fact that Hazel and Gus are young imparts a poignant urgency to the themes of life and death in the story. Their youth adds a layer of relatable tragedy and emphasizes the cruel randomness of illness.
What message does the book convey about love in the face of terminal illness?
The book conveys that love can be incredibly resilient, even in the face of terminal illness. It illustrates that the connections made between individuals can transcend physical limitations and that love remains in memories and shared moments.
Does the story suggest that some parts of life should remain private?
The story upholds the notion that certain parts of life, especially those moments and feelings woven into close personal relationships, warrant privacy. Hazel's decision to keep her eulogy for Gus private epitomizes this theme.
How do Hazel and Gus's experiences resonate with real life readers?
Hazel and Gus's experiences resonate with readers as they navigate through real feelings of love, loss, and the human experience of coping with serious illness. The authenticity of their emotions strikes a chord with people who have faced similar situations.
What can we learn from Hazel's character development throughout the book?
From Hazel's character development, we learn about the strength that comes from facing adversities and the growth that can occur when we allow ourselves to give and receive love, even when doing so can lead to profound loss.
Is the portrayal of Hazel and Gus's relationship considered realistic?
The portrayal of Hazel and Gus's relationship is considered realistic because it captures the intensity, vulnerability, and tenderness of young love, especially when it is compounded by the specter of serious illness and the prospect of an early death.
In understanding why Hazel didn't read the eulogy for Gus, we explored both the characters' emotions and literary reasoning behind the choice. Eulogies hold a significant place in the process of commemorating a loved one and coping with their passing. If you are facing the challenge of crafting a heartfelt eulogy, Eulogy Assistant can provide guidance and support to help you honor your loved one. Explore our other guides and share your experiences to help others navigate through this emotional journey.