How we cite our quotes: (Letter.Section.Paragraph)
Quote #4
To be useful was the best thing old men ever hoped for themselves, and to be aimless was their worst fear. (1.3.14)
Neither Ames nor Boughton can contribute to home and town life as they once could. The desire to help out is no less strong than it was in their youth, but their bodies no longer cooperate. Boughton, especially, needs others to care for him. He can't be useful; he can only be.
Quote #5
Sometimes I wonder why she'd marry an old man like me, a fine, vital woman like she is. (1.4.3)
Ames knows the answer: Lila needed a stable, settled life. More importantly, though, she loves him. His age is simply not an issue.
Quote #6
She died promptly and decorously, out of consideration for me, I suspect, since she had been concerned about my health. (1.4.16)
A minister like Ames sees death frequently. He has a sense of perspective—even humor—about it; without that, so much exposure to death might become a burden, weighing him down.