Meaning: This quote, "With her high pale brow under her faded brown hair, she was like a rock washed clean by years of her husband's absences at conventions, dinners, committee meetings or simply at the office," by Louis Auchincloss, paints a vivid picture of a woman who has endured years of being left alone by her husband. The imagery of her "high pale brow" and "faded brown hair" suggests a sense of weariness and resignation, while the comparison to a rock washed clean by years of her husband's absences evokes a sense of stoicism and endurance.

The quote captures the emotional toll that prolonged absences and neglect can take on a person, particularly in the context of a marriage. It speaks to the idea of emotional resilience and the ability to withstand hardship, even when faced with loneliness and neglect.

Louis Auchincloss, the author of the quote, was known for his keen observations of the social and cultural milieu of the American upper class. His works often delved into the complexities of human relationships, particularly within the context of privilege and societal expectations. This quote is indicative of Auchincloss's ability to capture the nuances of human emotion and the impact of social dynamics on individuals.

The imagery used in the quote is powerful and evocative. The description of the woman's "high pale brow" suggests a sense of dignity and inner strength, while the reference to her "faded brown hair" hints at the passage of time and the toll it has taken on her. The comparison to a rock washed clean by years of her husband's absences conjures a sense of endurance and resilience, as well as a certain degree of resignation to her circumstances.

The mention of her husband's absences at conventions, dinners, committee meetings, or simply at the office paints a picture of a marriage marked by a lack of presence and emotional connection. The repetition of these absences emphasizes the cumulative effect they have had on the woman, as well as the routine nature of her husband's neglect.

The quote can be interpreted as a commentary on the sacrifices and emotional labor often expected of women in traditional marriages, particularly in the context of a male-dominated professional and social sphere. It speaks to the silent suffering and resilience of women who have been left to bear the emotional burden of their partner's absence and neglect.

In conclusion, Louis Auchincloss's quote offers a poignant portrayal of a woman who has weathered the emotional toll of her husband's prolonged absences. Through evocative imagery and poignant language, the quote captures the resilience and endurance of individuals in the face of loneliness and neglect, while also serving as a reflection on the complexities of marriage and societal expectations.