Status Updates From Das Volk der Bäume

You know what bugs me about this book? Not being able to figure out some of the characters. Take Smythe. Why does he burst into tears? Sure, Norton reminds him of what he might have been, but how? It’s not explained. And then Norton is subjected to ridicule because set professor can’t control his emotions? Also can someone bring up Norton’s fixation on his associates’ looks and his instant dislike of Esme?

The font is tiny :’)