Final answer:
The sentence refers to a young 22-year-old man who is heavily burdened with familial responsibilities. It suggests that he is struggling with the challenges of providing for his family at an age where he might otherwise be focusing on personal growth and career development.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Poor fellow, he was only twenty two and was burdened with a family.” This sentence suggests that the young man in question is facing significant responsibilities at a relatively young age, which can be quite challenging. Being “twenty two” implies that he is at the early stages of adulthood.
Typically, individuals at this age are exploring different aspects of their lives, such as education, career, and personal development. However, the phrase “burdened with a family” indicates that he is already responsible for providing for a family, which may include a spouse and children.
This responsibility can be overwhelming, especially if the individual is still establishing himself and may not have the means or resources to comfortably support a family. The term “burdened” implies that this responsibility weighs heavily on him and may be causing him stress or hardship.