Washington Square is a novella written by Henry James in 1881. The novella is about a young girl named Catherine Sloper who lives with her father in New York City. Her father is a wealthy doctor who has a gruff demeanor and expects obedience from his daughter. He refuses to accept any marriage proposals for her until it is determined they are of suitable income.
Catherine’s life changes when she meets Morris Townsend, a poor young man who sweeps her off her feet with his charm and attention. Despite her father’s disapproval, they form a close bond. Catherine is essentially torn between her parents’ desires, his being that she have a secure marriage, and hers to make her own choices. Because of her love for Morris and her father’s adamant refusal to give his consent, she is forced to make a difficult decision in order to keep their romance alive.
At the heart of Washington Square is the issue of whether Catherine sacrifices herself to parental dutifulness or stands up for her autonomy. In the end, it’s her father’s offer of a large sum of money that Morris cannot resist, which forces Catherine to reject his declaration of love. In a classic twist ending, we see that all along Catherine had the strength to stand up for herself, proving to us that though she had been subjugated, she also had control over her own destiny.
The story is still relevant today, illustrating how parental approval and societal pressures can affect even the strongest-willed person. This is especially enlightening to young readers today, as the desire to please parents and be accepted by their peers can be a confusing, overwhelming experience. Washington Square is an honest, captivating glimpse at the internal struggle of being true to oneself and still honoring the wishes of those we love.
Henry James is a master of literature, and this story is no exception. His skillful writing of dialogue and narration is both thought-provoking and entertaining. In many ways, this novella is a precursor to modern day romance novels and is just as delightful to read.
For those interested in delving into the pages of a timeless classic, Washington Square is the perfect place to start. From the beginning, one can expect to be enthralled and moved by this story of a young woman forced to choose between love and duty. James’s beautiful writing style, touching characters, and stunning ending make this an unforgettable literary experience.
