How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
The Major was venomously opposed to the awful fast-food places that were gradually taking over the ugly stretch of road between the hospital and the seafront, but he was prepared to find her indulgence charmingly out of character. (2.27)
The Major loves his village and his charming English countryside because of the sheer character of the place. He sees the chain restaurants as out of character because they stand out so much: they're loud and garish, the opposite of country charm.
Quote #2
"I did give him up for many decades," she said. "He seemed such a part of those who refuse to reconsider what the Empire meant. But as I get older, I find myself insisting on my right to be philosophically sloppy. It's so hard to maintain that rigor of youth, isn't it?" (5.45)
Mrs. Ali seems to have relaxed some of her principles as she's grown older. This becomes a recurring theme, as the Major learns to do that as well. In fact, they both try to help and the much younger Abdul Wahid relax his principles, too. People of any age can be inflexible, and people of any age can change.
Quote #3
"I rather admire such refusal to bow before authority, but I fear it makes for a very uncomfortable daily existence." (5.96)
Here is the Major trying to tell Abdul Wahid to loosen up. In the long run, putting principles ahead of people just isn't worth it—at least that's not what the Major has learned over the years.