Hazel and Augustus both have interesting names, and kudos to you, Mr. Green for your insightful choices! First off, Hazel is actually a color on the brink of brown and on the edge of green: it hangs in the balance. What else hangs in the balance? Well, considering that she has stage four thyroid cancer, it is her life that hangs in the balance. This connection with her in-between-name and her in-between-condition is an important topic that continues throughout the novel, as she never ceases to question about the end of her prolonged existence.
Augustus, of course we've spoken of. His last name is Waters, and this is a strong, clear reference to the symbolism of water in this novel. Water is, after all the beginning of all life; at the same time, water can be the cause of destruction and annihilation just as much as it can be the cause of life. Another important fact about this name: he is named for the first emperor of the Roman Empire. So what does that mean? Well, most people would quickly associate "emperor of Rome" with grandiosity, vivacity and sophistication. "Augustus" gives the same connotation of a cultured, refined man. In the beginning of the novel, Hazel calls Augustus just that: Augustus. But as Hazel grows to learn more and more about Augustus, she starts calling him Gus. So what? Why does that matter? Well, let's look at the connotation of "Gus," which is a name that suggests a naïve, silly boy. Now we can see the huge difference between this name and it's counterpart. Augustus likes to uphold his bravado, but Gus loses himself completely in the wonders of the world.
By choosing a name that has symbolic resonance, Green establishes themes and topics that remain throughout the novel. "Hazel" is a constant reminder of the thin line that separates life and death, not only for Hazel, but for everyone; no one is sure whether they will be granted a prolonged existence anymore than Hazel is sure of her own existence. Augustus reminds us of the fact that though water can be a destructive force, it is still a life-sustaining force. In other words, in all bad things, there is good. "Augustus" and "Gus" both illustrate the character development of Hazel's love, Gus.
Augustus, of course we've spoken of. His last name is Waters, and this is a strong, clear reference to the symbolism of water in this novel. Water is, after all the beginning of all life; at the same time, water can be the cause of destruction and annihilation just as much as it can be the cause of life. Another important fact about this name: he is named for the first emperor of the Roman Empire. So what does that mean? Well, most people would quickly associate "emperor of Rome" with grandiosity, vivacity and sophistication. "Augustus" gives the same connotation of a cultured, refined man. In the beginning of the novel, Hazel calls Augustus just that: Augustus. But as Hazel grows to learn more and more about Augustus, she starts calling him Gus. So what? Why does that matter? Well, let's look at the connotation of "Gus," which is a name that suggests a naïve, silly boy. Now we can see the huge difference between this name and it's counterpart. Augustus likes to uphold his bravado, but Gus loses himself completely in the wonders of the world.
By choosing a name that has symbolic resonance, Green establishes themes and topics that remain throughout the novel. "Hazel" is a constant reminder of the thin line that separates life and death, not only for Hazel, but for everyone; no one is sure whether they will be granted a prolonged existence anymore than Hazel is sure of her own existence. Augustus reminds us of the fact that though water can be a destructive force, it is still a life-sustaining force. In other words, in all bad things, there is good. "Augustus" and "Gus" both illustrate the character development of Hazel's love, Gus.