Meaning: This quote from William Howells captures the sentiment of aging with a sense of resignation and acceptance. The speaker, presumably Howells himself, reflects on the approach of their 69th birthday with a tone of detachment and indifference. The use of the word "affair" in this context refers to the process of aging and growing older, suggesting that it is something beyond the individual's control, much like an affair that one has not initiated or been consulted about. The quote conveys a sense of inevitability and a lack of agency in the aging process, as well as a certain detachment from the significance of reaching this milestone.

William Howells was an American realist author and literary critic who lived from 1837 to 1920. He was known for his keen observations of American society and his ability to capture the nuances of everyday life in his writing. Howells' works often explored themes of social class, morality, and the human experience, and he was considered a prominent figure in the literary realism movement of the late 19th century.

In the context of this quote, it's important to consider the broader themes and attitudes towards aging that were prevalent during Howells' lifetime. The late 19th century was a time of significant social and cultural change, and attitudes towards aging and mortality were influenced by a variety of factors, including advances in science and medicine, as well as shifting social and economic conditions. Howells' reflection on the approach of his 69th birthday can be seen as a commentary on the inevitability of aging and the sense of resignation that often accompanies it.

The quote also touches on the universal experience of aging and the way it can evoke a range of emotions, from resignation to defiance, from acceptance to fear. Howells' portrayal of the speaker's ambivalence towards their approaching birthday reflects a common sentiment shared by many individuals as they grow older. The quote captures the sense of being a passive participant in the process of aging, with little control over the passage of time and the changes it brings.

In a broader sense, the quote can also be interpreted as a meditation on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of life. Howells' use of the word "affair" to describe the process of aging suggests a certain distance and detachment from the experience, as if the speaker is observing it from a removed perspective. This detachment may reflect a sense of inevitability and acceptance, as well as a recognition of the transitory nature of human existence.

Overall, this quote from William Howells encapsulates the complex emotions and attitudes towards aging, mortality, and the passage of time. Through the speaker's detached reflection on their approaching 69th birthday, Howells captures the universal experience of aging with a sense of resignation and acceptance, while also prompting the reader to contemplate the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of the passage of time.