Washington Square by Henry James
"Washington Square" is a novel by Henry James that explores themes of love, ambition, and the complexities of family dynamics in 19th-century New York. The story centers around Dr. Sloper, a well-off and emotionally reserved physician, who lives with his daughter Catherine and his sister, Mrs. Penniman, in a grand house on Washington Square. As Dr. Sloper enters his fifties, he is particularly concerned about the well-being of Catherine, who is perceived as dull and lacking romantic prospects.
Catherine's life changes when she meets the charming Morris Townsend at a party, igniting her first romantic feelings. However, Dr. Sloper is suspicious of Townsend's intentions, believing him to be a fortune hunter. As Catherine becomes infatuated with Townsend, she faces a conflict between her father's disapproval and her own desires. The narrative unfolds through Catherine's journey from innocence to a more hardened perspective, particularly as she confronts the consequences of her choices and the lasting impact of her father's influence. Ultimately, the novel examines the interplay of love, manipulation, and personal growth against the backdrop of societal expectations and familial obligation.
Washington Square by Henry James
First published: 1880
Type of work: Novel
Type of plot: Psychological realism
Time of plot: ca. 1850
Locale: New York City
Principal Characters
Dr. Austin Sloper , a prominent New York physicianCatherine Sloper , his daughterMrs. Lavinia Penniman , his sisterMorris Townsend , Catherine’s suitor
The Story
Peace, especially of the domestic variety, becomes increasingly important to Dr. Sloper when he enters his fifties. Intelligent, poised, and distinguished in his profession, he is accustomed to meeting life on his terms. He suffers the loss of his wife and a young son many years before, but the passage of time softens this blow. Now he dwells quietly and comfortably in his mansion on Washington Square with his only remaining child, Catherine, and his widowed sister, Mrs. Penniman.
Neither of his companions inspires the doctor with great fondness. His sister has just the sort of nature (incurably romantic, devious, and feminine) to set his teeth on edge; he sees her presence in his establishment as merely a necessary inconvenience to provide female supervision for his growing daughter. As to his daughter, Dr. Sloper thinks Catherine is a good girl but incurably dull. By her twenties, she has not had a romantic interest or even the prospect of such. She is shyly fond of her father and very much afraid of him, especially when an ironical tone creeps into his voice. He is, however, generally kind and courteous to her, though more self-contained than an adoring daughter might wish.
Catherine’s taste for ornate dress is one of the characteristics that her father finds especially trying. She long cherishes this taste without venturing to express it, but when she reaches the age of twenty, she buys herself a red satin gown trimmed with gold fringe. Her father inwardly grimaces at the thought that a child of his should be both ugly and overdressed.
Catherine wears her red gown on the evening when she first meets Morris Townsend. The occasion is a party given by her aunt, Mrs. Almond. Catherine quickly becomes convinced that she never met a young man so handsome, clever, and attentive. When his absorption with Catherine attracts notice, Townsend shifts his attentions to Mrs. Penniman, whose romantic sensibilities are soon aflutter with delight and anticipation. Before the evening ends, she manages to intimate to this agreeable young man that he is welcome to call in Washington Square.
Soon Townsend is in regular attendance. Mrs. Penniman, undertaking the role of a middle-aged Cupid, presses Townsend’s claims and assists his cause as ardently as she dares. Dr. Sloper, on the other hand, is at first skeptical and then becomes concerned. An interview with the young man strengthens his conviction that Townsend’s charming manner is a mask for irresponsibility and selfishness. He suspects that Townsend is living off the meager resources of his sister, a widow with five children, and the doctor is determined to investigate the matter. Before he can do so, however, Catherine tells him that Townsend proposed to her and that she is anxious to accept him.
When his suspicions are confirmed by a talk with Townsend’s sister, the doctor is more than ever convinced that Catherine’s suitor is a fortune hunter. For once, however, his objections fail to sway the infatuated girl. As a last resort, Dr. Sloper declares that if Catherine marries Townsend he will disinherit her. This measure will not leave her penniless by any means, since an inheritance from her mother will provide her a comfortable income, but it will reduce by two-thirds the amount Catherine would otherwise be able to expect.
Mrs. Penniman, alarmed, counsels delay, and Townsend agrees to part with Catherine while she accompanies her father to Europe. Both Townsend and Mrs. Penniman hope that time will soften the doctor’s obdurate opposition to the match. Catherine, while agreeing to make the trip, cherishes no such illusions. When she and her father return several months later, the situation remains unchanged. Catherine is determined to go ahead with the marriage, but Townsend keeps putting her off. One day, he vanishes from New York altogether.
Years pass before she sees him again. By that time, Dr. Sloper is dead. Fearful that Townsend might reenter Catherine’s life, he Sloper left his fortune to charity. One night, while Catherine is sitting quietly at home, there is a ring at the door. Townsend comes back, secretly encouraged by the unwearying Mrs. Penniman. Bearded, heavier, and now forty-five years old, he is still personable; his manner makes it clear that he expects a warm welcome in Washington Square. The lapse of twenty years might have taken much from him, including the European wife of whom Catherine vaguely heard, but he did not lose the bright assurance with which he now waits for his words to work their old magic on Catherine’s heart.
He stands, hat in hand, murmuring warm phrases, but Catherine does not ask him to sit down. She looks at him as if he is a stranger, repelling all advances and brushing off all explanations with a cool imperturbability worthy of the old doctor himself. For Catherine there is no longer any question of yielding to his charm: She suffered too much. This time it will be she who sends him away. She dismisses him with a finality he has no choice but to accept and to understand.
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