In The Boxcar Children, the, er, Boxcar Children have a lot of admirable qualities. This isn't an accident, either—the author wanted them to be good role models for young people. One of the kids' foremost traits is their industriousness, or commitment to hard work. Whether they're scavenging for household supplies, building a swimming pool, or cooking dinner, all four Aldens are busy little bees. Seriously, they love chores so much they might as well marry them.
One thing to watch for is the different kinds of work that boys and girls tend to do. (See our thoughts on "Men and Masculinity" and "Women and Femininity" elsewhere in this section.) Still, hard work is an important value in the novel.
Questions About Industriousness
- Who is the hardest worker in the Alden family? Explain your answer.
- How does Jessie turn scavenging for dishes into a fun game for Benny?
- The narrator tells us that the baker's wife "did not like to wash dishes very well." What sort of light does that information put the character in?
Chew on This
In the world of The Boxcar Children, hard work is valued above all else.
In the world of The Boxcar Children, working isn't considered a difficulty or a hardship. It's just a normal way of life.