Meaning: This quote by Jonathan Franzen, a prominent American novelist, reflects on his experience of feeling older than his years due to being surrounded by people much older than himself during his upbringing. Franzen was born in 1959 and grew up in Webster Groves, Missouri. He is best known for his novels such as "The Corrections," "Freedom," and "Purity," which often delve into complex family dynamics and societal issues.

The quote suggests that Franzen's formative years were influenced by the presence of older individuals in his life, which contributed to his sense of maturity and wisdom beyond his age. Being a late child, or the youngest in the family, could have led to his exposure to the perspectives and experiences of older generations from an early age. This exposure likely shaped his worldview and influenced the way he approached life and relationships.

The mention of feeling like a "70-year-old man" at the age of 21 indicates a profound sense of maturity and perhaps a feeling of being out of sync with his peers. It suggests that Franzen may have had a more serious and contemplative demeanor compared to others in his age group. This early maturation could have been both a result of his upbringing and his own introspective nature, which is often reflected in the depth of his writing.

Franzen's novels often explore themes of family, identity, and the passage of time, reflecting his deep understanding of human relationships and the complexities of life. His characters are often portrayed with a depth and complexity that suggests a keen observation of human behavior, which may be attributed, in part, to his early exposure to older individuals and their stories.

Furthermore, the quote offers insight into Franzen's personal development and the impact of his upbringing on his identity as a writer. It suggests that his unique perspective and introspective nature could be rooted in his early experiences of feeling like an old soul among older company. This sense of being surrounded by older individuals may have contributed to his ability to empathize with characters across different age groups and to depict their inner struggles with authenticity and depth.

In conclusion, Jonathan Franzen's quote provides a glimpse into the formative experiences that shaped his worldview and writing style. It suggests that his early exposure to older individuals influenced his sense of maturity and wisdom, contributing to his development as a novelist who delves deeply into the complexities of human nature and relationships. Franzen's ability to capture the essence of characters across different ages may stem from his early feeling of being surrounded by people much older than himself, ultimately shaping his literary voice and perspective.