IndexIntroductionHazel's struggle with industry versus inferiorityHazel's journey to intimacy versus isolationConclusionIntroductionIn John Green's novel "The Fault in Our Stars" our stars,” Hazel Grace Lancaster emerges as the central character and protagonist, grappling with the challenges of a terminal cancer diagnosis. The story unfolds as Hazel navigates her complex journey through adolescence, love and loss. To delve deeper into Hazel's character development, this essay uses Erik Erikson's psychoanalytic theory, which outlines eight stages of psychosocial development. These stages offer valuable insights into how Hazel copes with the adversities of her cancer diagnosis. This essay will explore two specific phases - Industry vs. Inferiority and Intimacy vs. Isolation – and how they manifest in Hazel's life, ultimately shaping her character. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Hazel's Struggle with Industry vs. Inferiority Erikson's fourth stage of psychosocial development, Industry vs. Inferiority, occurs between the ages of five and twelve. In this stage, children try to gain self-esteem through interactions with their peer groups. Successfully overcoming this phase leads to a sense of competence and self-esteem. However, for Hazel, the diagnosis of terminal thyroid cancer, which has metastasized to her lungs, becomes a formidable obstacle during this critical stage of development. During this stage, healthy children complement it with a sense of belonging and self-confidence, which escapes Hazel. Her illness sets her apart from her peers, making her feel like an outcast. Hazel's decision to finish high school early and distance herself from her peers exemplifies her isolation. The knowledge of his impending mortality only exacerbates his sense of difference. As a result, Hazel is denied the opportunity to derive self-esteem from her peer group, a central aspect of this developmental stage. Hazel's cancer diagnosis disrupts Industry versus Inferiority's typical trajectory, leaving her without a sense of competence and self-control. value that his healthy peers can obtain. As a result, he isolates himself from others his age and embarks on a unique path to self-discovery. Hazel's Journey to Intimacy vs. Isolation The sixth stage of Erikson's theory, Intimacy vs. Isolation, focuses on forming meaningful relationships outside of the family. Positive resolution of this phase results in safe, loving relationships characterized by commitment and care. However, Hazel initially struggles in this phase, choosing isolation as a defense mechanism against the pain and burden she believes her illness will impose on others. Hazel's reluctance to acknowledge her feelings for Augustus exemplifies her initial failure at this stage. Develop the habit of distancing yourself from potential emotional attachments to minimize future pain. His mentality revolves around sparing his loved ones from the anguish of his inevitable death. Hazel's decision to avoid emotional involvement with others reflects her apprehension about the potential isolation, loneliness, and depression that often accompany failed attempts at intimacy. However, as the narrative progresses, Hazel's perspective begins to change. She allows herself to embrace love and intimacy, exemplified by her relationship with Augustus. She realizes that closing herself off to meaningful connections does not protect her or her loved ones from suffering. This transformation.