Beginning
The short story "He" opens with a brief portrayal of the Whipples' impoverished life. The narrator quickly reveals that Mr. and Mrs. Whipple have contrasting approaches to their financial struggles. The narrator suggests that Mr. Whipple tends to be pessimistic, lamenting his situation and seeing no escape. In contrast, Mrs. Whipple tends to accept "what was sent and calling it good," especially when she is around neighbors or within their "earshot." This hints to the reader that Mrs. Whipple is concerned with appearances, striving to make her family seem fortunate, even if it means enduring hardship. She values appearances partly because she cannot "stand to be pitied."

Following this description of the parents, the narrator states that Mrs. Whipple loves her second son more than her "other two children put together." At times, Mrs. Whipple is so intent on showing her love for her son that she claims to love him more than all her family members combined. Mr. Whipple reminds her that these declarations are unnecessary, not because anyone doubts her, but because people might then think that he, Mr. Whipple, does not love his son at all.

The child they refer to is simply called "He." The narrator describes this boy as "the simple-minded one." Behind the Whipples’ backs, neighbors blame the father's bad blood for producing such a child. To the Whipples' faces, however, the neighbors offer encouragement, making positive remarks like, "Look how He grows!"

Mrs. Whipple feels uneasy discussing her mentally handicapped son. However, whenever guests visit, the conversation inevitably turns to him. Once the topic arises, Mrs. Whipple speaks of his positive traits, such as the fact that He never gets hurt. She attributes this to something a preacher once told her about the innocent walking with God. Mrs. Whipple interpreted this to mean that God was protecting her son. Through this belief, she can accept her son and take pride in him, at least in conversations with her neighbors.

Mrs. Whipple has found various reasons to help herself accept her son. Unlike her other children, he never whines for food. He works diligently without complaining, even when bees sting him while he collects honey. During the winter, when her other children are cold, Mrs. Whipple takes his blanket and gives it to one of them. She believes he "never seemed to mind the cold."

However, Mrs. Whipple does worry about him occasionally, especially when neighbors visit and suggest she should prevent him from climbing trees, fearing he might injure himself because he doesn't understand what he's doing. This frustrates Mrs. Whipple for two reasons. She is aware that he could fall, which does concern her. Yet, she is also proud of his tree-climbing skills, thinking he is as nimble as a monkey. She doesn't need the neighbors to remind her to worry about him, and she certainly doesn't appreciate them saying he doesn't know what he's doing. This is an insult Mrs. Whipple cannot tolerate. Despite her conflicting emotions, after the neighbors leave, she calls him down from the tree and scolds him for behaving that way in front of them.

Later, Mr. Whipple comments that the reason he doesn't complain when he's hurt or cold or hungry is that he doesn't have the sense to complain. Mrs. Whipple chastises Mr. Whipple for making such a remark. What would the neighbors think if they heard him say such things? They might assume Mr. Whipple loves his other children more.

Middle
Mrs. Whipple receives a letter from her brother, informing her that he, his wife, and their two children plan to visit the...