Washington Square

Originally published in 1880, Washington Square was praised for its depiction of the complicated relationship between a father and daughter. Catherine Sloper lives in New York City's fashionable Washington Square district with her aunt and her physician father. As Catherine is courted by Morris Townsend, her father threatens disinheritance, and Townsend abandons her. Only after her father dies, many years later, does Townsend attempt to return to the Washington Square house and to Catherine.

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“I have broken off my engagement.”

Morris Townsend, the gold-digger exposed, has deserted Catherine for New Orleans. Almost two weeks later, Dr. Sloper slyly questions Catherine on her leaving home to be married. The Doctor raised his eyebrows. “Has he backed out?” “I have broken off my engagement.” A year after first reading the novel, I now realise that Catherine, who is 'much addicted to speaking the truth', does not lie here. Tragically, Dr. Sloper, who perfectly anticipates Townsend and Penniman, yet again misjudges Catherine, unbeknown to her. Two decades later, at the reading of her father's will, Catherine learns this sad truth, while still ignorant of the great injustice she has done in underestimating his paternal love.

Posted By Gladys at Fri 15 May 2009, 1:50 AM in Washington Square || 0 Replies

The shocking thing

The shocking thing about this story is that it is supposedly based on a real life story which James heard tell. A real life Catherine..........too dreadful to think about.

Posted By lochfyne at Tue 27 Jan 2009, 10:03 AM in Washington Square || 1 Reply

Morris towsend, a true villain?

I have always asked myself if Mr. Towsend woulld have been a really bad choice for Catherine. He was after her money, that's for sure. But by marrying both would have achieved what they wanted, don't you think?

Posted By MARIANNE M at Sat 1 Nov 2008, 9:20 AM in Washington Square || 27 Replies

shortened edition

Have you got any idea if Henry James himself provided a shortened edition of washington square?

Posted By downing at Tue 22 Jul 2008, 6:08 AM in Washington Square || 2 Replies

Morris?

Hi everyone, We have just finished reading W.S in class and have been directed to complete an assignment. the assignment asks the writer to "adopt" James' writing style. I have chsen to write a series of diary entries b Morris that will endeavour to reveal his true colours, but I am having trouble writing the entries from the point of view of the character, while still adopting H.J's techniques etc. I would really appreciate some help on how to go about this.

Posted By RayRay at Mon 21 Jul 2008, 6:46 AM in Washington Square || 2 Replies

washington square

I'm studying 'Washington Square' for my AS level english, and I have never read such a teadious, slow and pointless book. The characters have no character, and the very simple story line never amounts to anything. I'm trying to revise for my lit exam at the moment, but trying to re-read such a novel is proving difficult. I wish we had studied 'Return of the Native' Verity

Posted By Verity17 at Fri 4 Jan 2008, 9:25 AM in Washington Square || 1 Reply

Help Me

Can anyone help me with my essay I have to write a essay looking at the language and techniques but am v.confused. My title is 'How are henry james three themes of his novels presented iun Washington square?' Can anyone help me with this or any other ideas Thanks

Posted By cameron.l.k at Thu 22 Jun 2006, 3:32 AM in Washington Square || 0 Replies

CosiCosi

Henry James describes the unneccesary and the book was dull. I enjoyed the plot of te story.

Posted By bonnie at Fri 28 Feb 2003, 12:00 AM in Washington Square || 2 Replies

Washington Square

I find that the comments that this book is boring and tedious is untrue. This book is a masterpiece. Its excellent and entertaining, and in a way, a suspense. It is beautifully written and it still amazes me how the author so subtly changed Catherine into a respectful woman. By the way, i was forced to read this book for literature and i'm 17 yr old.

Posted By Mae at Tue 24 May 2005, 5:07 PM in Washington Square || 0 Replies

literature

Hi!

I red this book Coz related to me major. This is really true feeling At first it was not much fun to read this novel. So I try to read it again this time slow and put my all feeling I feel kind of fun and easy to catch the story. Catherine situation is so complecated, Her devotion to her father is very steadfast in contrast Her devotion to townsend is also true. She don't wanna lose both Dr. slopper and townsend. ANd Henry he didn't mentioned about the townsend rather he's true love with catherine or he's after her money. The end of this story is happy as usuall so it's not a romantic story, You could say it's tragic and sad story . I wanna give you piece of advice to read this story you need put your feeling first and read it slowly with interst. later

Posted By mike at Tue 24 May 2005, 5:07 PM in Washington Square || 0 Replies

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