How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Six years [Nancy] had been gone. Now Bertie was gone, too. They had left him all alone, the last family member of his generation. He clasped his hands to still a small tremor. (1.14)
This novel begins with a tragic note, one that most books don't usually have, because most books, like most movies, don't star anyone over the age of 40. The Major is in his late sixties, and a lot of his friends and family have started to die off.
Quote #2
Yet today—overcome by the strain he supposed—he had to pause halfway up the stairs to catch his breath. It occurred to him to wonder what would happen if he passed out and fell. (2.126)
Being old, the Major's life has become an "I've fallen and I can't get up" commercial.
Quote #3
"My dear Mrs. Ali, I would hardly refer to you as old," [the Major] said. "You are in what I would call the very prime flowering of mature womanhood." It was a little grandiose but he hoped to surprise a blush. Instead she laughed out loud at him. (5.70)
The Major may have gray hair, and he may not have as much pep in his step, but he sure is still on top of his flirt game.