Activity Overview
The Fault in Our Stars is filled with symbolism, in part because the main characters themselves find it helpful to think about their lives metaphorically. The symbols in this book will come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify and explain symbols from the novel, supporting their choices with details from the text.
The Fault in Our Stars Symbols to Look For and Discuss
Cigarettes
Gus's unlit cigarettes represent power and control over his life. He believes, "You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing." The cigarettes lend Gus the air of confidence and bravado that his character so craves. As he is sick and dying, he risks his life to drive himself to buy more cigarettes, a last desperate act to try to maintain some control over his life.
Funky Bones
The giant skeleton sculpture in the park is an obvious reminder of death. Although the children view it as a fun playground, they are overlooking the fact that death is all around them. In his commentary on this symbol, John Green writes, “What I love about the sculpture is that it makes the bones that we are always walking and playing on manifest, like in a world that so often denies the reality of death and the reality that we are surrounded by and outnumbered by the dead. Here, is a very playful way of acknowledging that and acknowledging that always, whenever we play, whenever we live, we are living in both literal and metaphorical ways on the memory and bones of the dead.” The two visits Gus and Hazel make to the Funky Bones park are significant for the character change they reveal. On the first visit, Gus pictures himself as one of the children swinging from the bones. On the second visit, he pictures himself as the bones themselves.
A Grenade
Hazel repeatedly describes herself as a grenade, a symbol of pain and suffering. Once a grenade is thrown, it is just a matter of time until it explodes. Hazel’s terminal diagnosis, therefore, is a guaranteed explosion of pain to all who love her. Part of the theme of The Fault in Our Stars is the search for life’s meaning. While Augustus wants to save lives and achieve something great, Hazel has no such aspirations. By identifying herself as a grenade, Hazel reveals her concept of her self-worth: she is dangerous and not worthy of love. As Hazel gives in and allows Gus to love her, she comes to a new understanding of love, suffering, and self-worth.
Hazel’s Swing Set
The swing set is a symbol of youth and childhood innocence and reminds both Hazel and Augustus of the carefree life they can never return to. The emotional significance of this symbol is complicated. Early in the novel, Hazel and Augustus give the swing set away since the childhood happiness it represents is too painful to contemplate. Later, Gus welcomes the nostalgia of the swing set, saying he wishes they still had it. Either way, the swing set reflects the difficulties of contemplating the past in a life with no future.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam represents freedom for Hazel and Augustus. The city itself is known for its libertine pursuits. Visitors there have the freedom to experiment with drugs and prostitution, for example. This provides a symbolic setting for Hazel and Gus to exercise their freedom. Simply going on the trip is an act of defiance, as both Gus and Hazel disregard the concerns of their parents and/or doctors. In Amsterdam, the two are given the liberty to walk around by themselves like adults.They also become sexually involved during their time there. For a few days, they escape the doctors and tests and simply enjoy themselves.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Fault in Our Stars. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s), symbols(s), or motif(s) from The Fault in Our Stars you wish to include and replace the "THEME, SYMBOL, or MOTIF" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme, symbol, or motif.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Identify Motif(s) | All motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incorrect. | No motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions clearly explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Most descriptions attempt to explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes, symbols, and motifs and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, symbols, and motifs, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes, symbols, and motifs. |
Activity Overview
The Fault in Our Stars is filled with symbolism, in part because the main characters themselves find it helpful to think about their lives metaphorically. The symbols in this book will come alive when you use a storyboard. In this activity, students will identify and explain symbols from the novel, supporting their choices with details from the text.
The Fault in Our Stars Symbols to Look For and Discuss
Cigarettes
Gus's unlit cigarettes represent power and control over his life. He believes, "You put the killing thing right between your teeth, but you don't give it the power to do its killing." The cigarettes lend Gus the air of confidence and bravado that his character so craves. As he is sick and dying, he risks his life to drive himself to buy more cigarettes, a last desperate act to try to maintain some control over his life.
Funky Bones
The giant skeleton sculpture in the park is an obvious reminder of death. Although the children view it as a fun playground, they are overlooking the fact that death is all around them. In his commentary on this symbol, John Green writes, “What I love about the sculpture is that it makes the bones that we are always walking and playing on manifest, like in a world that so often denies the reality of death and the reality that we are surrounded by and outnumbered by the dead. Here, is a very playful way of acknowledging that and acknowledging that always, whenever we play, whenever we live, we are living in both literal and metaphorical ways on the memory and bones of the dead.” The two visits Gus and Hazel make to the Funky Bones park are significant for the character change they reveal. On the first visit, Gus pictures himself as one of the children swinging from the bones. On the second visit, he pictures himself as the bones themselves.
A Grenade
Hazel repeatedly describes herself as a grenade, a symbol of pain and suffering. Once a grenade is thrown, it is just a matter of time until it explodes. Hazel’s terminal diagnosis, therefore, is a guaranteed explosion of pain to all who love her. Part of the theme of The Fault in Our Stars is the search for life’s meaning. While Augustus wants to save lives and achieve something great, Hazel has no such aspirations. By identifying herself as a grenade, Hazel reveals her concept of her self-worth: she is dangerous and not worthy of love. As Hazel gives in and allows Gus to love her, she comes to a new understanding of love, suffering, and self-worth.
Hazel’s Swing Set
The swing set is a symbol of youth and childhood innocence and reminds both Hazel and Augustus of the carefree life they can never return to. The emotional significance of this symbol is complicated. Early in the novel, Hazel and Augustus give the swing set away since the childhood happiness it represents is too painful to contemplate. Later, Gus welcomes the nostalgia of the swing set, saying he wishes they still had it. Either way, the swing set reflects the difficulties of contemplating the past in a life with no future.
Amsterdam
Amsterdam represents freedom for Hazel and Augustus. The city itself is known for its libertine pursuits. Visitors there have the freedom to experiment with drugs and prostitution, for example. This provides a symbolic setting for Hazel and Gus to exercise their freedom. Simply going on the trip is an act of defiance, as both Gus and Hazel disregard the concerns of their parents and/or doctors. In Amsterdam, the two are given the liberty to walk around by themselves like adults.They also become sexually involved during their time there. For a few days, they escape the doctors and tests and simply enjoy themselves.
Template and Class Instructions
(These instructions are completely customizable. After clicking "Copy Activity", update the instructions on the Edit Tab of the assignment.)
Student Instructions
Create a storyboard that identifies recurring themes in The Fault in Our Stars. Illustrate instances of each theme and write a short description below each cell.
- Click "Start Assignment".
- Identify the theme(s), symbols(s), or motif(s) from The Fault in Our Stars you wish to include and replace the "THEME, SYMBOL, or MOTIF" text.
- Create an image for examples that represents this theme, symbol, or motif.
- Write a description of each of the examples in the black text box.
- Click "Save & Exit" when done.
Lesson Plan Reference
Rubric
(You can also create your own on Quick Rubric.)
| Proficient | Emerging | Beginning | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Identify Theme(s) | All themes are correctly identified as important recurring topics or messages in the story. | Some themes are correctly identified, but others are missing or do not make sense with the story. | No themes are correctly identified. |
| Identify Symbol(s) | All symbols are correctly identified as objects that represent something else at a higher level in the story. | Most symbols are correctly identified, but some objects are missing or are incorrectly identified as significant symbols. | No symbols are correctly identified. |
| Identify Motif(s) | All motifs are correctly identified as important recurring features or ideas in the story. | Some motifs are correctly identified, but others are missing or incorrect. | No motifs are correctly identified. |
| Examples | All examples support the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions clearly explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Most descriptions attempt to explain how the examples connect to the broader themes, symbols, and motifs. | Most examples do not fit the identified themes, symbols, and motifs. Descriptions are unclear. |
| Depiction | Storyboard cells clearly show connection with the themes, symbols, and motifs and help with understanding. | Most storyboard cells help to show the themes, symbols, and motifs, but some storyboard cells are difficult to understand. | Storyboard cells do not help in understanding the themes, symbols, and motifs. |
How Tos about Identifying Symbols in The Fault in Our Stars
Organize a classroom discussion on symbolism in literature
Lead a group conversation where students share and analyze symbols they’ve found in The Fault in Our Stars and other books. Encourage participation by asking open-ended questions and connecting ideas across texts. This helps students develop critical thinking and deepen their understanding of how symbols enrich stories.
Model how to cite text evidence for a symbol
Show students how to find and quote passages that support their interpretation of a symbol. Demonstrate by selecting a symbol from the book and pointing to a specific sentence or scene. This builds students’ confidence and accuracy when supporting their ideas in writing or discussion.
Guide students to create a symbol chart
Have students make a chart with columns for the symbol, what it represents, and supporting details from the story. Encourage color-coding or illustrations to make the chart engaging. This visual organizer helps students organize their thoughts and makes connections clear.
Facilitate peer feedback on symbolism analysis
Pair or group students to share their ideas about symbols and offer constructive feedback. Use sentence starters like, “I noticed…” or “Have you considered…?” to promote respectful, thoughtful dialogue. This fosters collaboration and helps refine students’ analytical skills.
Connect symbolism to students’ own experiences
Invite students to think about objects or events in their own lives that could be symbolic, then discuss or write about these connections. This personalizes learning and makes the concept of symbolism more memorable and relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions about Identifying Symbols in The Fault in Our Stars
What are the main symbols in The Fault in Our Stars?
The Fault in Our Stars features several important symbols, including Gus's unlit cigarettes (representing control), Funky Bones (death and memory), Hazel's grenade metaphor (pain and self-worth), the swing set (lost innocence), and Amsterdam (freedom). Each symbol reflects key themes and character journeys in the novel.
How do Gus’s unlit cigarettes symbolize control in The Fault in Our Stars?
Gus’s unlit cigarettes act as a metaphor for power and control. By holding but never lighting them, Gus tells himself he’s choosing not to give the cigarettes—"the killing thing"—any real power. This helps him feel brave and in control, even as he faces illness.
Why does Hazel describe herself as a grenade in the story?
Hazel calls herself a grenade because she believes her inevitable death will cause pain to everyone who loves her. This symbol captures her fear of hurting others and feeling unworthy of love, a central struggle in her character arc.
What does the swing set represent for Hazel and Augustus?
The swing set symbolizes lost childhood innocence and happier times. For Hazel and Augustus, it’s a bittersweet reminder of a carefree past they can’t relive. Giving it away reflects their struggle with nostalgia and the pain of remembering a life before illness.
How can teachers help students identify and analyze symbols in The Fault in Our Stars?
Teachers can encourage students to use storyboards to visually map out key symbols, cite textual evidence, and discuss each symbol’s meaning. This approach helps students deepen their understanding of literary themes and character development.
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