This shows that Lyman recognizes the pain of war and tries to help him. He takes steps to stop the distractions so that Henry can have peace and quiet. Given his life experience at that age, I thought it was a plan. This also shows that being the little brother, he has no hope of control; however, he still actively participates in attempts to save his brother from depression. I wondered what the mother was doing all this time. Did she just throw up her hands and continue with her normal life? Did she do nothing because she didn't know what to do ?