In The Fault in Our Stars, Augustus Waters emerges as one of the most unforgettable characters in contemporary literature. His charm, optimism, and courage capture the hearts of readers, but it’s his flaws that add depth to his personality, making him a truly multi-dimensional figure. Analyzing Augustus Waters’ strengths and weaknesses provides us with a deeper understanding of not just his character, but also the nature of life, love, and loss.
This article will explore Augustus’ strengths and weaknesses, showcasing how each aspect of his personality influences the course of his journey and his relationship with Hazel Grace. We’ll discuss how his strengths make him endearing and his weaknesses make him relatable, ultimately contributing to the emotional complexity of the story.
Augustus Waters’ Strengths
Charismatic Personality
One of the first traits that stand out about Augustus is his undeniable charm. From the moment he meets Hazel at the cancer support group, it’s clear that he knows how to captivate the people around him. His wit and humor create an instant connection with Hazel, who initially doesn’t expect to form any bonds at the group. Augustus uses his personality to break through Hazel’s walls, offering humor and hope in the face of illness.
Example:
When Augustus first meets Hazel, he introduces himself with a playful remark, instantly grabbing her attention. This charm continues throughout the book, as he effortlessly weaves humor and charisma into their conversations. His quick wit and playful nature draw people in, making him a magnetic figure.
Optimism and Hope
Despite his diagnosis, Augustus exhibits a strong belief in life’s potential. This unwavering optimism defines him throughout The Fault in Our Stars and helps shape his approach to both his illness and his relationship with Hazel. He views his battle with cancer not as a death sentence but as an opportunity to live fully and to chase the experiences he desires.
Example:
One of the most significant moments of Augustus’ optimism is when he uses his “wish” from the Cancer Kid Foundation to take Hazel to Amsterdam to meet her favorite author. His hopefulness extends beyond his own experience, as he deeply cares about Hazel’s happiness, even if it means pursuing a difficult and expensive adventure. His optimism is contagious, as he brings Hazel along on his journey of pursuing dreams, no matter how unlikely they may seem.
Deep Compassion and Selflessness
While Augustus can be perceived as self-confident, his compassion for others reveals a more vulnerable side. His actions, especially toward Hazel, show a remarkable level of care. Augustus is willing to go to great lengths to make those he loves feel seen and valued. His selflessness is perhaps most evident in how he handles his relationship with Hazel and the way he expresses his emotions.
Example:
A prime example of Augustus’ selflessness is when he uses his wish to fulfill Hazel’s dream rather than his own. While many people in his position would likely prioritize their own desires, Augustus chooses to make Hazel’s dream of meeting the elusive Peter Van Houten come true. This moment encapsulates his deep care for Hazel and his willingness to sacrifice his own needs for hers.
Courage in Adversity
Augustus demonstrates incredible courage in the face of his cancer diagnosis and eventual decline. Even as he faces the inevitability of his illness, he continues to live life to the fullest, trying to experience the world as much as possible. His courage shines through in how he handles his final days, choosing to remain composed and dignified rather than letting his illness define him.
Example:
In the final stages of his life, Augustus continues to maintain his characteristic humor and optimism. Despite his failing health, he remains a source of support for Hazel, showing incredible bravery as he faces the end with grace. His decision to express his vulnerability, especially his fears about death, makes him a more complex character, revealing both his inner strength and his humanity.
Romantic Idealism
Augustus’ belief in grand gestures and romantic love is one of the key aspects of his character. His idealistic view of love shapes the way he interacts with Hazel. He doesn’t believe in half-hearted gestures but instead strives to create moments of deep, meaningful connection, even when he knows the outcome is uncertain.
Example:
One of Augustus’ most romantic acts is his decision to take Hazel on a journey to Amsterdam, despite all the challenges it entails. His intention isn’t just to meet an author; it’s about creating an unforgettable moment for Hazel, a moment that she can carry with her forever. In his eyes, love is something to be celebrated and cherished, even in the face of terminal illness.
Augustus Waters’ Weaknesses
Arrogance and Overconfidence
While Augustus’ optimism and charm are undeniably captivating, they sometimes veer into arrogance. He often projects the belief that he can control outcomes, especially in terms of his health and life. This overconfidence occasionally causes him to make decisions that are rooted more in pride than practicality.
Example:
At the beginning of the novel, Augustus’ nonchalant attitude about his illness—especially his belief that he could “cheat death”—shows a certain arrogance. He portrays himself as someone who is in control, not fully acknowledging the unpredictability of his disease. This arrogance can be alienating, especially as it masks his true fears and vulnerabilities.
Tendency to Conceal His True Feelings
Augustus struggles with expressing his deeper emotions. Though he is outgoing and confident, he hides his fears and insecurities behind his playful exterior. This tendency to conceal his true feelings complicates his relationship with Hazel, as she sometimes feels as though she can’t truly understand what he is going through.
Example:
In his relationship with Hazel, Augustus occasionally shuts down emotionally. He hides his fears about his health and death, putting on a brave face to maintain control. However, this emotional facade causes a strain, especially when Hazel confronts him about his vulnerability. His reluctance to fully open up highlights his internal conflict and the difficulty of coping with the emotional weight of his illness.
Desire for Validation
Augustus seeks validation from others, especially Hazel. His need to feel special and recognized can sometimes lead to behavior that feels more self-serving than altruistic. He often goes out of his way to ensure that his actions are noticed and appreciated, which can come off as a form of self-centeredness.
Example:
Augustus’ decision to use his “wish” to visit Amsterdam isn’t entirely selfless. While he genuinely wants to make Hazel happy, part of his motivation comes from his desire to be the hero in her story. This need for recognition is evident when he describes his actions as fulfilling a “grand gesture” for the girl he loves, but his actions are also a way for him to feel validated in his own identity as a romantic figure.
Occasional Self-Absorption
In some ways, Augustus can be self-absorbed, often prioritizing his own desires over others. While this may be understandable given his terminal illness, it can still create tension in his relationships, especially with Hazel.
Example:
When Augustus insists on taking Hazel to Amsterdam, he overlooks her reluctance due to her health and the unpredictability of their trip. While he believes it will be an amazing experience, his insistence on the idea reflects a tendency to focus more on his own emotional needs rather than fully considering Hazel’s feelings.
Fear of Imperfection and Mortality
Augustus’ fear of imperfection and his struggle with mortality are themes that run throughout The Fault in Our Stars. He struggles with the notion that his life, while full of moments of beauty, may not be perfect. This fear, coupled with his impending death, often leads him to question his legacy.
Example:
In the latter part of the novel, Augustus is confronted with his own mortality. His fear of being forgotten or not leaving a lasting impact leads him to question the meaning of his life. His struggle with accepting the imperfections of his journey mirrors the central theme of the novel: the beauty and pain of life’s fleeting nature.
The Complexities of Augustus’ Character
Augustus Waters is a complex character whose strengths and weaknesses coexist in a way that makes him deeply human. His charm, hope, and selflessness make him a character readers admire, but his flaws—his arrogance, tendency to conceal emotions, and fear of imperfection—ground him in reality. It’s this balance that makes Augustus such a compelling figure.
The strengths and weaknesses of Augustus Waters underscore the contradictions of being human. We are all a blend of our best qualities and our flaws, and Augustus encapsulates that duality beautifully. While his actions sometimes seem motivated by self-interest or bravado, they also reveal his vulnerability and his intense desire to experience love and life to the fullest.
Conclusion
Augustus Waters’ strengths and weaknesses contribute to his role as one of literature’s most memorable and complex characters. His optimism and deep love for Hazel make him endearing, while his flaws show that even the most charismatic people face internal struggles. Through Augustus, John Green teaches us that strength comes from vulnerability and that love, while imperfect, can be one of life’s most beautiful experiences.
As we reflect on Augustus Waters’ character, we are reminded of the profound impact that both our strengths and weaknesses can have on our lives and relationships. Augustus may have been imperfect, but in his imperfection, he found meaning, love, and connection—teaching us all to embrace the beauty of our own flaws.
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