Quote 4
But Henry did not want to start. He looked to see how much money he had. Then he stood thinking.
At last he said, "I don't want to leave you girls alone." (3.39-3.40)
Henry sees himself as his family's protector—at least of the girls. Notice that he doesn't mention Benny, the youngest Alden, who is a boy. It's the girls he doesn't want to leave.
Quote 5
Henry said, "Today I'll go to town and try to get some work to do. I can cut grass or work in a garden or something. Then we'll have something besides milk for breakfast." (5.8)
Providing, like protecting, is another traditionally masculine role that Henry takes on. Fingers crossed he succeeds.
Quote 6
"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.