Hazel Das Schicksal Ist Ein Mieser Verräter

Das Schicksal ist ein mieser Verräter (literally translated as "The Fate is a Lousy Traitor," but more commonly known in English as The Fault in Our Stars) is a 2012 novel by American author John Green. While primarily a work of fiction aimed at young adults, its themes of love, loss, illness, and mortality resonate with readers of all ages. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the book's plot, characters, themes, and reception, offering insights that can aid understanding and appreciation of this widely acclaimed work.

Plot Summary

The story revolves around Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old girl living in Indianapolis, Indiana. Hazel is diagnosed with terminal cancer (cancer that has metastasized to her lungs), which she manages with the help of an experimental drug called Phalanxifor. Despite the drug's effectiveness in shrinking her tumors, Hazel grapples with feelings of isolation and depression.

Encouraged by her parents, Hazel attends a support group for young cancer patients. There, she meets Augustus Waters, a charismatic and intelligent seventeen-year-old who is in remission from osteosarcoma. Augustus lost his leg to cancer but maintains an optimistic outlook on life, albeit tinged with a desire to leave a lasting mark on the world.

Hazel and Augustus quickly bond over their shared experiences and their love of literature. Hazel introduces Augustus to her favorite book, An Imperial Affliction, a novel by a reclusive Dutch author named Peter Van Houten. The book, which also deals with cancer and existential questions, ends abruptly, leaving Hazel frustrated and desperate to know what happens to the characters after the ending. Augustus is so moved by the story that he decides to try and connect Hazel to the author.

Augustus uses his "cancer wish" (a perk granted by the Make-A-Wish Foundation) to arrange a trip to Amsterdam to meet Peter Van Houten. Hazel, accompanied by her mother, joins him. However, their meeting with Van Houten is deeply disappointing. The author turns out to be a bitter, alcoholic recluse who refuses to answer Hazel's questions about the novel's ending.

Despite the disappointing meeting, Hazel and Augustus find solace in each other and explore Amsterdam together, falling deeply in love. They experience a moment of profound intimacy, further solidifying their bond.

Upon returning to Indianapolis, Augustus reveals that his cancer has returned, and it is now incurable. Hazel is devastated but remains by his side, providing him with love and support as his health deteriorates.

In the final days of his life, Augustus organizes a pre-funeral where he invites Hazel and his best friend, Isaac (who is blind due to cancer treatment), to deliver eulogies. This allows him to hear how he impacted their lives and to say goodbye.

Augustus Waters dies shortly after his pre-funeral. Hazel is heartbroken but finds strength in the memories they shared. After Augustus's death, Peter Van Houten unexpectedly appears at Augustus's funeral and attempts to apologize to Hazel, explaining that he based An Imperial Affliction on the experience of losing his own daughter to cancer. Hazel, still grieving and wary, initially rejects his apology but later acknowledges his pain.

In the epilogue, Hazel discovers that Augustus had written an eulogy for her before he died, which he sent to Van Houten for feedback. Van Houten eventually forwards it to Hazel. The eulogy expresses Augustus's deep love for Hazel and his belief that she deserves a life filled with happiness, even in the face of suffering. Hazel finds comfort and hope in Augustus's words, realizing that their love story, though tragically short, was meaningful and impactful. Hazel declares that she is alright with their story. She knew Augustus, and he loved her.

Key Characters

• Hazel Grace Lancaster: The protagonist and narrator. A sixteen-year-old girl with terminal cancer. She is intelligent, introspective, and cynical, but also deeply caring and capable of great love.
• Augustus Waters: Hazel's love interest. A seventeen-year-old in remission from osteosarcoma. He is charismatic, witty, and philosophical, with a strong desire to be remembered.
• Isaac: Augustus's best friend. He loses his eyesight to cancer. He is often used for comedic relief, but also experiences profound emotional pain.
• Peter Van Houten: The reclusive author of An Imperial Affliction. He is a bitter and disillusioned man who is haunted by the loss of his daughter to cancer.
• Hazel's Parents: Supportive and loving parents who are deeply concerned for Hazel's well-being. They provide her with emotional and practical support throughout her illness.

Themes

Das Schicksal ist ein mieser Verräter explores a number of profound themes, including:

Mortality and the Meaning of Life

The novel confronts the reality of mortality, particularly for young people facing terminal illness. It explores the question of how to find meaning and purpose in life when faced with the inevitability of death. Both Hazel and Augustus grapple with their mortality and seek ways to leave a lasting impact on the world.

Love and Loss

The novel celebrates the power of love in the face of adversity. Hazel and Augustus's relationship provides them with comfort, support, and a sense of purpose. However, the novel also acknowledges the pain and grief that accompany loss, particularly the loss of a loved one. Their love story, although brief, demonstrates that love can flourish even in the darkest of circumstances. The book explores how love can provide meaning and solace, even if it cannot ultimately conquer death.

Suffering and Pain

The novel acknowledges the reality of suffering and pain, both physical and emotional. It explores how individuals cope with pain and find ways to persevere in the face of adversity. While the novel does not shy away from depicting the harsh realities of cancer, it also emphasizes the importance of finding moments of joy and connection amidst suffering.

Existential Questions

The novel raises profound existential questions about the nature of existence, the meaning of suffering, and the possibility of an afterlife. Hazel and Augustus engage in philosophical discussions about these issues, seeking to understand their place in the universe and to find meaning in their experiences. The book does not provide easy answers to these questions but rather encourages readers to contemplate them for themselves.

The Power of Literature

Literature plays a significant role in the novel, providing Hazel and Augustus with a source of comfort, inspiration, and connection. An Imperial Affliction, in particular, serves as a catalyst for their relationship and prompts them to grapple with important questions about life and death. The novel suggests that literature can offer a way to understand and cope with difficult experiences.

Reception and Adaptations

Das Schicksal ist ein mieser Verräter has been widely praised for its honest and unflinching portrayal of cancer, its compelling characters, and its exploration of profound themes. The novel has received numerous awards and accolades, including:

• Printz Honor Book
• Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction
• #1 New York Times Bestseller

The novel was adapted into a successful film of the same name in 2014, starring Shailene Woodley as Hazel Grace Lancaster and Ansel Elgort as Augustus Waters. The film was a critical and commercial success, further popularizing the novel and its themes. The adaptation captured the essence of the book's story and brought its characters to life on the big screen. The film helped to broaden the novel's audience and to spark conversations about cancer, mortality, and love.

Why this book resonates

The enduring popularity of Das Schicksal ist ein mieser Verräter stems from its raw honesty and relatable characters. While dealing with heavy themes like cancer and death, the story also celebrates the beauty of life, the power of love, and the importance of human connection. The book reminds us that even in the face of adversity, it is possible to find meaning and joy. Its accessibility and straightforward writing style makes it easier for young adult readers to engage with complex philosophical issues.

The book also benefits from its authenticity. John Green conducted extensive research and interviewed numerous cancer patients to ensure that his portrayal of the disease was accurate and respectful. This commitment to realism resonates with readers who have experienced cancer themselves or who know someone who has. The novel's ability to evoke strong emotions in readers is a testament to Green's skill as a writer. The book leaves a lasting impression and prompts readers to contemplate their own lives and values.

Ultimately, Das Schicksal ist ein mieser Verräter is a story about hope, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Despite its tragic elements, the novel leaves readers with a sense of optimism and a renewed appreciation for life. It encourages readers to cherish every moment, to embrace love, and to find meaning in their experiences, no matter how challenging. The story is both heartbreaking and uplifting, offering a nuanced and compassionate perspective on the human condition.

Whether you are an expat looking for a poignant story, a newcomer seeking to understand a culturally significant work, or simply someone interested in exploring complex themes, Das Schicksal ist ein mieser Verräter offers a compelling and unforgettable reading experience.