The title of this book comes from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar. Cassius, trying to convince Brutus to join in the killing of Caesar, says, "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,/ But in ourselves" (111). The context from this quote implies that Caesar's reign is not fate, but if Brutus and Cassius do not act it will be their fault. John Green's title, TFIOS, is a juxtaposition to what Shakespeare says. Green chooses to say the fault is not in ourselves. For example, Gus does not have control over his cancer. He can live life trying to maintain control, like he did when in remission, but eventually fate takes over; essentially the fault is decided or based upon fate.
This quote from Shakespeare is not only seen in the title, but also later in a letter from Peter Van Houten to Augustus. Van Houten writes, "...there is no shortage of fault to be found amid our stars" (112). Peter Van Houten strengthens this belief for Augustus. It helps Gus to realize that he has no control over his cancer. This is an important aspect of the novel as it shows the reader that despite the desires of life, fate has the upper hand. Fate is seen in the love Augustus and Hazel have for one another, but it is also seen as Gus looses his battle to cancer.
This quote from Shakespeare is not only seen in the title, but also later in a letter from Peter Van Houten to Augustus. Van Houten writes, "...there is no shortage of fault to be found amid our stars" (112). Peter Van Houten strengthens this belief for Augustus. It helps Gus to realize that he has no control over his cancer. This is an important aspect of the novel as it shows the reader that despite the desires of life, fate has the upper hand. Fate is seen in the love Augustus and Hazel have for one another, but it is also seen as Gus looses his battle to cancer.