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Essay / Three Types of Love in The Fault in Our Stars
The English language is slightly limited when it comes to “love”. Love is the only word that language offers to describe, well, love. Although people love certain people (or things) in different ways – the love a best friend receives is different from the love a spouse receives – “love” covers everything. However, the Greek language offers much more than just one word when it comes to love. There are many types of love displayed in The Fault In Our Stars by John Green. The three that are most apparent are those of agape, philia and eros. Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old with cancer, receives agape, witnesses philia, and experiences eros. Say no to plagiarism. Get a Custom Essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get Original EssayAgape is a love that gives and gives and gives without expecting (or even wanting) anything. Hazel receives agape from her parents, especially her mother. Mrs. Lancaster literally makes herself available every second of the day for her daughter who, in reality, is dying. Mrs. Lancaster feels guilty whenever she does nothing for Hazel's direct well-being. Near the end of the book, she reveals that she went to school to become a social worker. It's about preparing for when she can work again when Hazel no longer needs care. She hid the information from Hazel because she felt Hazel would feel left out. She didn't want Hazel to feel like she abandoned her. Additionally, Mrs. Lancaster is left speechless when Hazel's favorite author, Peter Van Houten, invites her to visit him if she ever finds herself in Amsterdam. Hazel is obsessed with finding the answers to the unanswered questions in his book, An Imperial Affliction, which he refuses to release via email. When she receives an email from him, she yells at her mother. Mrs. Lancaster burst into her room seconds later, clutching a towel around herself, suds dripping from her hair. She was taking a shower, but wanted to make sure Hazel was okay. Hazel explains her predicament and asks if they can go to Amsterdam. Mrs Lancaster comments on the lack of finances. At this point, Hazel is struck by the fact that she is the reason her parents don't have much money. Also at this time, Mrs. Lancaster is filled with the desire for this to happen for Hazel and expresses it to her daughter, saying that she will talk to Mr. Lancaster. Hazel, however, rejects the idea, aware of how much her parents have already done for her. This is an important scene because it truly depicts Mrs. Lancaster's agape for her daughter. With their savings essentially gone, things are tight and the medical bills keep coming. However, she has a hunch that this might really be what's best for Hazel, who may not live much longer. When she realizes this, she sees no reason why she can't do it. She doesn't care how much money the trip will cost or how long it will take. She continually pours herself out for Hazel, giving her everything she can. Mrs. Lancaster does this even when she deprives herself of things. Another type of love is that of Philia. Philia is often something shared between friends. This means supporting and appreciating the good sides of everyone. Upon meeting Augustus Waters, Hazel also meets Isaac, Augustus' best friend. The boys are there for each other no matter what, through thick and thin. Augustus represents the world for Isaac. Likewise, Augustus will go out of his way to be there for Isaac, such as when Isaac's girlfriend,..