Name: Washington Square
Author: Henry James
ISBN: 9780194638029

Washington Square

Henry James

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Author Description

Ideal for intermediate and more confident learners of English looking to improve or practise their English. The book is filled with useful vocabulary that is carefully graded and easy to understand, it also comes with audio, so that you can listen to the story at the same time as reading.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

When a handsome suitor begins to court the unassuming Catherine Sloper, she finds herself caught between the possibility of love and the rigid expectations of her wealthy, controlling father. Catherine, a quiet and gentle woman living in 1840s New York, seeks independence and affection, yet she faces the formidable opposition of Dr. Sloper, who views the suitor with deep suspicion. The narrative explores the tension between personal desire and the social constraints of the era, focusing on the power dynamics within a wealthy household. The story is presented through a third-person perspective that emphasizes the psychological development of the characters as they navigate the complexities of inheritance and marriage.

INSIDE THE PAGES

Exploration of 19th-century social class and marriage customs
Character-driven psychological conflict
Examination of parental authority and financial control
Setting established in 1840s New York society
Graded language structure for intermediate learners
Inclusion of audio components for auditory reinforcement
Focus on the internal growth of a protagonist lacking traditional beauty or wit
Thematic focus on the intersection of love and economic status

THE COLLECTIVE ECHO

Readers frequently highlight the accessibility of this adaptation, noting that it retains the core emotional weight of the original work while simplifying the prose for language learners. Discussion often centers on the stark contrast between Catherine’s vulnerability and her father’s cold, analytical approach to her personal life. Critics appreciate how the text maintains the atmospheric tension of the original setting despite the constraints of the graded format. Many users find the inclusion of the audio pack to be a significant benefit for improving comprehension and pacing. The narrative remains a frequently cited example of how classic literature can be effectively repurposed for educational purposes without losing its thematic depth.

Page Count:
0

Publication Date:
2018-08-31

Publisher:
Oxford University Press España, S.A.

ISBN-10:
0194638022

ISBN-13:
9780194638029

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