... of the past Hazel used to have, when she was healthy and perfectly normal. Green directly demonstrates his purpose through this, showing how Hazels life has changed so dramatically through her thyroid cancer, how the symbolism of the swing set, which causes her pain, relates to her childhood and happiness ... not only Haze's favourite novel, but it is a symbol of her own life. Like Anna, the main character of An Imperial Affliction, Hazel is terminally ill, and as Hazel says, "it's not a cancer book, because cancer books suck." Green demonstrates his purpose of showing how real and destr...

• Word Count: 1017
• Approx Pages: 4
• Grade Level: Undergraduate