John Green’s ‘The Fault In Our Stars’: Exploring the Shocking Alternate Endings That Almost Were

Wait, what?! John Green almost published a drastically different ending to ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ than the one we all read. Did his original ending not feature the devastating death of Augustus Waters? Dive into the details of the alternate storylines that never made it to print!

“In the second draft of The Fault In Our Stars, the novel ends shortly after reclusive Dutch-American author Peter Van Houten ties one of the characters to railroad tracks as an exploration of the trolley problem, which is a really interesting idea to me in philosophy,” John Green revealed on the Nerdist podcast. This revelation has left fans stunned, wondering how such a drastic departure from the poignant love story could have been considered.

The concept of Van Houten, a character already shrouded in mystery and flawed morality, orchestrating a scenario involving a trolley problem is undeniably bizarre. It raises questions about the direction Green initially envisioned for the narrative and the themes he intended to explore. Was he aiming for a more philosophical and less emotionally driven conclusion?

The trolley problem, a famous ethical dilemma posed by British philosopher Philippa Foot in 1967, asks whether it is morally justifiable to divert a trolley from a track where it will kill five people onto another track where it will kill only one. This thought experiment forces individuals to confront difficult questions about utilitarianism, consequentialism, and the value of human life.

The inclusion of this philosophical puzzle in the ending of ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ seems jarringly out of place, especially considering the book’s primary focus on love, loss, and the search for meaning in the face of terminal illness. While Green’s intellectual curiosity is evident, the trolley problem feels more like an academic exercise than a natural extension of the characters’ journeys.

“[My editor] was like, ‘I can’t tell if this is a joke,’” John continued. “I was like, ‘No man, this is a really interesting way into the trolley problem.’ And she said, ‘I don’t think this book is about the trolley problem.’” This anecdote highlights the tension between Green’s creative vision and the expectations of his audience. While he may have found the trolley problem intellectually stimulating, his editor recognized that it would ultimately detract from the emotional core of the story.

The Fault In Our Stars is undeniably NOT about the trolley problem. It’s a story about Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two teenagers battling cancer who find solace and love in each other’s company. It’s about their shared experiences, their witty banter, their philosophical musings, and their unwavering determination to live life to the fullest despite their circumstances. To end such a profound and emotionally resonant story with a cold and detached philosophical exercise would have been a disservice to the characters and the themes explored throughout the book.

Imagine reading hundreds of pages about Hazel and Augustus’s blossoming romance, their struggles with illness, and their poignant reflections on life and death, only to be confronted with a sudden and inexplicable trolley problem scenario at the very end. It would be like watching a beautifully crafted symphony end with a discordant and jarring note.

But the trolley problem ending wasn’t the only alternate conclusion Green considered. Back in 2014, he revealed that the book originally ended with Hazel and Van Houten dying in a shoot-out with a drug lord. Yes, you read that right: a shoot-out with a drug lord. This ending is even more outlandish and incongruous than the trolley problem scenario. It’s difficult to imagine how such a violent and action-packed sequence could have organically emerged from the introspective and character-driven narrative of ‘The Fault In Our Stars.’

The image of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a young woman known for her intelligence, wit, and philosophical insights, engaging in a gunfight with a drug lord is simply absurd. It’s a complete departure from her character and the overall tone of the book. This alternate ending feels like it belongs in a completely different genre, perhaps a crime thriller or an action movie, but certainly not a young adult novel about love and loss.

Thankfully, John Green ultimately chose to write an ending that was both perfect and devastating. While readers (including myself) cried countless tears because Augustus and Hazel’s love story was tragically cut short, the ending of The Fault In Our Stars is so fitting and necessary to the story. It’s an ending that stays true to the characters, the themes, and the emotional core of the book.

The death of Augustus Waters is undeniably heartbreaking, but it’s also a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. It’s a testament to the enduring power of love and the ability of the human spirit to find hope and meaning even in the face of unimaginable loss. The ending, as it exists, resonates deeply with readers because it’s both realistic and emotionally honest.

The true ending highlights the lasting impact of Augustus on Hazel’s life. He taught her how to truly live, how to love fiercely, and how to find the beauty in a world often marred by suffering. While his physical presence is gone, his influence on Hazel’s life remains, shaping her future and reminding her of the profound connection they shared.

Choosing to let Augustus die allowed Green to explore themes of grief, acceptance, and the enduring nature of love. It served as a poignant reminder that even in the face of death, hope and connection can persist. The carefully crafted final scenes resonated deeply with readers, prompting introspection and a profound appreciation for the preciousness of life.

Had John Green chosen one of his alternate endings, ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ might have been remembered as a quirky and controversial novel, but it likely wouldn’t have achieved the same level of emotional resonance and widespread acclaim. The decision to embrace the heartbreaking reality of Augustus’s death was a bold and ultimately brilliant one, solidifying the book’s place as a modern classic.

The success of ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ lies in its ability to connect with readers on a deeply emotional level. It’s a story that explores universal themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in a way that is both relatable and profoundly moving. The alternate endings, while perhaps intellectually stimulating, would have ultimately undermined the emotional impact of the story.

The lasting legacy of ‘The Fault In Our Stars’ is a testament to the power of storytelling to evoke empathy, inspire hope, and remind us of the importance of human connection. The ending, as it exists, is a vital part of that legacy, serving as a poignant reminder of the beauty and fragility of life.

So, HollywoodLifers, what do you think of John’s alternate TFIOS endings? Are you relieved that he chose the path he did, or do you think one of the alternate endings could have worked?