Name: Washington Square
Author: Henry James
ISBN: 9780194632249

Washington Square

Henry James

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Author Description

A level 4 Oxford Bookworms Library graded reader. This version includes an audio book: listen to the story as you read.Retold for Learners of English by Kieran McGovern.When a handsome young man begins to court Catherine Sloper, she feels she is very lucky. She is a quiet, gentle girl, but neither beautiful nor clever; no one had ever admired her before, or come to the front parlour of her home in Washington Square to whisper soft words of love to her.But in New York in the 1840s young ladies are not free to marry where they please. Catherine must have her father’s permission, and Dr Sloper is a rich man. One day Catherine will have a fortune of 30,000 dollars a year...

Menrva's Summary

THE PULSE

The arrival of a charming suitor in the life of the unassuming Catherine Sloper triggers a tense conflict between her burgeoning desires and her father's rigid expectations. Catherine, a quiet and plain young woman, finds herself the object of attention from a man whose intentions are questioned by her wealthy, cynical father, Dr. Sloper. The narrative, set in the structured society of 1840s New York, explores the power dynamics within a household where financial inheritance dictates personal freedom. The story unfolds through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the psychological distance between the characters and the social constraints of the era.

INSIDE THE PAGES

Examination of social status and class expectations in 19th-century New York
Exploration of the strained relationship between a controlling father and a submissive daughter
Analysis of the tension between genuine affection and financial motivation
Use of the domestic setting as a stage for interpersonal conflict
Focus on the internal development of a protagonist who lacks traditional beauty or wit
Graded language structure designed for English language learners
Inclusion of audio components to support reading comprehension
Pacing that emphasizes dialogue and character observation over external action

THE COLLECTIVE ECHO

Readers frequently highlight the psychological depth Henry James brings to the character of Catherine Sloper, noting how her quiet nature masks a complex internal struggle. Discussion often centers on the ambiguity of the suitor's intentions and whether Dr. Sloper acts out of protective wisdom or cold-hearted manipulation. The pacing is described as deliberate and focused, favoring character study over rapid plot progression. Critics often point to the effectiveness of the 1840s New York setting in establishing the rigid social boundaries that define the characters' choices. This version is widely recognized for its accessibility, making the nuanced themes of the original text available to a broader audience.

Page Count:
88

Publication Date:
2014-01-01

Publisher:
Oxford University Press

ISBN-10:
0194632245

ISBN-13:
9780194632249

Drama

Romance

Educational

English as a Second Language

Study Aids

ESOL

English speakers