Name: Washington Square
Author: Henry James
ISBN: 9780191501500

Washington Square

Henry James

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Author Description

'She will do as I have bidden her.' Catherine Sloper is heiress to a fortune and the social eminence associated with Washington Square. She attracts the attention of a good-looking but penniless young man, Morris Townsend. His suit is encouraged by Catherine's romantically-minded aunt, Mrs Penniman, but her father, a clever physician, is convinced that his motives are merely mercenary. He will not consent to the marriage, regardless of the cost to his daughter. Out of this classic confrontation Henry James fashioned one of his most deftly searching shorter fictions. First published in 1880 but set some forty years earlier in a pre-Civil War New York, the novel reflects ironically on the restricted world in which its heroine is marooned, seating herself at its close 'for life, as it were'. In his introduction Adrian Poole reflects on the book's gestation and influences, the significance of place, and the insight with which the four prinicipal players are drawn. The edition includes an account of the real-life tale that sparked James's imaginative genius. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Menrva's Summary

THE PULSE

Catherine Sloper, a wealthy but socially awkward heiress, finds her life upended when she falls for a suitor whom her father deems a fortune hunter. Catherine must navigate the rigid expectations of 19th-century New York society while caught between her father's cold, analytical disapproval and her aunt's meddlesome romanticism. The narrative follows her internal development as she faces the emotional consequences of her father's ultimatum and her suitor's questionable intentions. The story is presented through a third-person limited perspective that emphasizes the psychological isolation of the protagonist within her domestic sphere.

INSIDE THE PAGES

Psychological realism focused on character motivation
Exploration of the conflict between filial duty and personal autonomy
Satirical depiction of New York high society
Precise, controlled prose style characteristic of late 19th-century literature
Examination of the power dynamics within a patriarchal household
Use of irony to highlight the limitations of the heroine's world
Focus on the tension between mercenary motives and genuine affection
Detailed character studies of four primary individuals

THE COLLECTIVE ECHO

Readers and critics frequently highlight the precision of James's characterizations, noting how he captures the subtle shifts in Catherine's temperament. Discussion often centers on the ambiguity of Morris Townsend's motives and the cold, calculated cruelty of Dr. Sloper. The pacing is described as deliberate and focused, prioritizing internal development over external action. Many observers appreciate the atmospheric rendering of pre-Civil War New York as a restrictive environment that shapes the characters' choices. The novel is often cited for its enduring relevance regarding the struggle for independence against familial control.

Page Count:
220

Publication Date:
2010-01-01

Publisher:
OUP Oxford

ISBN-10:
0191501506

ISBN-13:
9780191501500

Fathers and daughters

Young women

Social Commentary

Domestic fiction

Realism

English & College Success

English