Many people tend to focus on the plot and not the writing style. The writing style of Gary Schmidt is unique and different than most other authors. The author gives more importance to the beautiful writing than the story, which makes it more difficult for the reader to follow the story. Gary Schmidt uses an unusual writing style. He has a prominent motif of Trouble and a separate story written in italics that is only understood when all pieces are put together.
Gary Schmidt, when explaining the early setting of Henry Smith, says “Henry Smith told his father that Trouble won’t find you if you built your house far enough from Trouble.” (Schmidt 1) Trouble’s motif is presented at the beginning of the novel, which is a good way to introduce the reader to its importance to the Smiths. Henry’s decisions are based on this theme. Henry tells Thaddeus that he wants to learn how to cope with the trouble. Henry and his father use the motif Trouble often, especially since Henry uses it towards the ending of the book. As the theme is used throughout, it makes sense that Trouble would be mentioned towards the end. By making Trouble a motif, the author shows the importance of the word to the Smiths. Italicized sections at the end chapters require the reader’s attention to make sense of them.
It is not clear to the reader at the beginning of the book what italicized text means, but readers will realize it’s Chay’s perspective later. Italicized text in the first paragraph is “He first noticed her from a high place …”” referring to Chay’s first encounter with Louisa. Italicized paragraphs are not a big deal to the reader at first, except for the fact that standing alone they’re confusing. The reader will realize that the italicized paragraphs are Chay’s perspective as they progress through the book. Readers cannot fully comprehend the events unless they know the stories in italics are all connected. It is clear that Chay wrote the italicized stories. When Chay was leaving the town to escape the violence, he said “He had packed the volume Keats.” (123). It is clear that Chay’s thoughts are italicized in this line because Chay receives a volume Keats by his father very early on. It is important for the reader to recognize that Chay is italicizing his thoughts when he’s alone. Gary Schmidt is unique in his use of italicized writing.
The tone of each story is changed by the characters. Sanborn brings the humor to the novel. Sanborn says to Henry, Chay, Sanborn, and Chay at the Chowder Restaurant, “I’ve never had my shake.” (175). It’s a sad book, so adding humor makes it more enjoyable. Sanborn, who is a comedian himself, tells jokes frequently throughout the book to keep the reader entertained and from getting depressed. Sanborn is more important for the tone than the storyline. Franklin is the motivation behind Henry’s decision to climb the mountain. When Henry tells Thaddeus that he is climbing for his brother, Franklin, he states, “I am going up because of my brother” (239). Franklin promised to accompany Henry on his climb of Katahdin. Henry would have quit if Franklin hadn’t motivated him. Henry’s determination to climb Katahdin is due to his brother, Sanborn, and their humor.
Gary Schmidt’s novel, Trouble, is a unique work of fiction because it uses a number of different writing techniques. Carefully-coordinated aspects of motif, side stories, and characters change the story’s mood instead of allowing the story to lapse into a single attitude.
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