Trouble Literary Elements

Young Adult / Realistic Fiction

Set in Maine in the late 20th century

The novel is narrated in third person from the point of view of an omniscient speaker.

The narrative has a depressing tone but also has hints of humor.

The protagonist is Henry while the antagonist is also Henry himself and the self-doubt he has to overcome towards enlightenment.

Henry has to acknowledge that trouble is inescapable as he decides to climb Katahdin in a journey of enlightenment. The decision is prompted by Franklin’s accident after which he embarks on the excursion with the rescued dog as tribute.

The climax occurs when Henry rescues the truck driver who hit Franklin from a group of veterans attacking him.

Their father’s advice about trouble that Henry and his older brother have grown up with foreshadows the path the protagonist undertakes towards embracing trouble.

“If you build your house far enough away from Trouble, then Trouble will never find you.”

The father understates the uncertainty and unpredictability in life that makes it near impossible to escape trouble.

The novel alludes to the Siddhartha Gautama story since both Buddha and Henry were spoiled children from powerful families that protected them from trouble. The journey towards enlightenment for both mirrors each other as they learn about tragedy and suffering in the world.

“It has been a spring colder than usual, and the trees were still unleafed, so they could see the patrol car's red light revolving and throwing fire onto the mostly bare oaks and maples. They walked out into the dark back gardens, dark because the moon was still not up and the sky was starless.”

N/A

N/A

“…then along beaches stretched beneath the houses of Old Money”

Old Money refers to generational wealth.

“Thunder, bellowing and licking its chops so loudly that Henry felt the vibrations in his bare feet.”