Travis’s determination to do well in his new role as the man of the house means that he tries to embody an emotionally stunted version of masculinity. But there’s a positive side to his determination as well: Travis graciously and enthusiastically takes on a new set of responsibilities and creatively solves the problems in front of him. And as Travis takes on more and more responsibilities throughout the novel, he’ll find that the things required of him increasingly depend on empathy, emotion, and creativity—not on stoicism, strength, and power.