The Boxcar Children Men and Masculinity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #4

"I bought another loaf of brown bread at the store," said Henry, "and some more milk. Then I bought some dried meat, because we can eat it in our hands." (6.2)

Henry always brings home the food. Jessie always prepares it. It's a division of labor that's literally never discussed.

Quote #5

"If there is someone out in the woods, he knows that there is a dog in this boxcar," said Henry.

He took the new broom in his hand and waited. (6.67-6.68)

Henry and Jessie both admit they're frightened, but Henry is the one who picks up a weapon. Why is it his responsibility to be the family's protector?

Quote #6

Then he picked over the things and put the tools in the toolbox and the nails in the nail-box. This was fun for Henry, because he liked to get things in order. (7.49)

Jessie and Henry both like putting things in order. But where Henry orders "manly" things like the contents of a garage, Jessie organizes things like dishes and food.