Student Activities for The Fault in Our Stars
Essential Questions for The Fault in Our Stars
- What makes life meaningful?
- How should humans deal with death?
- What is the role of suffering in our lives?
- What makes someone a good friend?
- How much control do we have over our own lives? Is there such as thing as destiny?
- How can good literature and/or art help us better understand our lives?
Note to the Reader
The Fault in Our Stars focuses heavily on the experience of cancer patients. While John Green acknowledges that “disease and its treatment are treated fictitiously” in his novel, he nevertheless includes a number of medical terms and cancer-related discussions. Students might benefit from a preview of the medical vocabulary in the book, including such terms as metastasize, G-tube, PET scan, PICC line, cannula, BiPAP, and prosthetic. Students should also be reminded that the novel is fictional and does not represent the experience of all cancer patients. A good starting place might be this 2014 article on teen cancer patients reacting to the novel.
Allusions
Full understanding of the novel also requires familiarity with the title’s allusion. “The fault in our stars” refers to a line spoken by Cassius in Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar: “The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, / But in ourselves, that we are underlings.” The line refers to the ancient belief that a person’s fate was determined by the alignment of the stars upon their birth, much like the idea behind horoscopes today. In contradicting Cassius’ original line, The Fault in Our Stars announces its exploration of fate and free will. Students may benefit from an explanation of this Shakespearean allusion and a debate about its validity. As they continue reading, they will be able to make connections between the book’s title and its characters’ development.
In addition to its Julius Caesar reference, The Fault in Our Stars contains a number of other allusions to literature. The list below identifies some of the works mentioned in the novel. Consider pairing these with students’ study of the novel.
- “There’s a certain slant of light” by Emily Dickinson
- “J. Alfred Prufrock” by T. S. Eliot
- “Lady Lazarus” by Sylvia Plath
- “The Red Wheelbarrow” by William Carlos Williams
- “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird” by Wallace Stevens
- The prologue to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet
- The Greek legend of Sisyphus
More Activity Ideas for The Fault in Our Stars
- The Fault in Our Stars is a classic example of a Bildungsroman novel. Have students keep track of the different elements of Bildungsroman literature through storyboarding! Students can create a storyboard chart with illustrations and descriptions of each Bildungsroman stage.
- Create a storyboard to depict one chapter or section at a time.
- Create a storyboard that shows precise causes and effects of events.
- Add a presentation to any storyboard project.
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How Tos about The Fault in Our Stars By John Green
How can I facilitate a meaningful classroom discussion about fate and free will using The Fault in Our Stars?
Encourage students to share personal opinions and literary evidence. Begin by asking students to define fate and free will in their own words. Prompt them to connect these ideas to the characters’ choices in the novel for deeper understanding.
Connect the Shakespearean allusion to the novel’s themes.
Lead students in analyzing the quote from Julius Caesar and its relevance. Discuss how the title’s allusion shapes the characters’ perspectives on destiny and responsibility.
Encourage students to debate whether life events are controlled by destiny or personal choices.
Organize a friendly debate or Socratic seminar. Assign students positions and provide supporting passages from the novel. Guide them in using respectful, evidence-based arguments.
Incorporate creative writing to deepen understanding of fate and free will.
Invite students to write a short story or reflection. Ask them to imagine an alternate ending for a character based on a different choice, emphasizing the impact of free will versus fate.
Wrap up the discussion with a reflective group activity.
Have students share insights or feelings about how fate and free will influence their own lives. Encourage connections between literature and real-world experiences for a lasting impact.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Fault in Our Stars By John Green
What are some easy lesson plan ideas for teaching The Fault in Our Stars?
Easy lesson plans for The Fault in Our Stars include storyboard activities, exploring literary allusions, tracking metaphors and symbols, discussing essential questions, and analyzing the novel's portrayal of fate and free will. These approaches engage students while addressing key themes and character development.
How does The Fault in Our Stars address the meaning of life and suffering?
The Fault in Our Stars tackles the meaning of life and suffering through its characters' experiences with illness, loss, and love. The novel encourages students to reflect on philosophical questions and explore how suffering shapes personal growth, relationships, and perspectives on destiny.
What literary allusions are found in The Fault in Our Stars?
The Fault in Our Stars includes allusions to Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Emily Dickinson, T. S. Eliot, Sylvia Plath, William Carlos Williams, Wallace Stevens, and Greek mythology. These references deepen students' understanding of the novel's themes and invite meaningful connections with other literary works.
Why is The Fault in Our Stars considered a Bildungsroman novel?
Bildungsroman is a coming-of-age novel. The Fault in Our Stars fits this genre because it follows the emotional and intellectual development of its teenage protagonists as they navigate illness, love, and existential questions, ultimately maturing through their experiences.
How can teachers help students understand cancer terminology in The Fault in Our Stars?
Teachers can introduce medical vocabulary such as metastasize, G-tube, PET scan, and PICC line before reading, using glossaries or related articles. Clarifying these terms makes the novel more accessible and ensures students understand the context of characters' experiences.
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