Washington Square

1. Washington Square By Kelly Killoran and Adrienne Legg

2. Time Period and Impact on the Work • Washington Square is set in the mid-19th century in New York City, so naturally, the characters in the novel are wealthy, primitive individuals. The 19th century was a time of invention and innovation as well. Henry James came from a wealthy family, so it makes sense that the characters in this novel come from a similar situation.

3. Born in New York City into a wealthy family Father- Henry James Sr., one of the most well known intellectuals in mid-19th-century America Traveled back and forth between Europe and America as a young boy and studied with tutors in many different European countries Studeid at Harvard Law School for a short time, but preferred literature over studying law Published A Tragedy of Error at 21 years old and decided to dedicate his life to writing Two of James’ most famous works were The Portrait of a Lady and The Turn of the Screw Lived in England for 40 years and became a British subject in 1815 James’ many travels to Europe deeply impacted his works Suffered a stroke on 2 December 1915 Health began to decline and James died on February 28, 1916 in London Before his death, Henry James was awarded a very prestigious award, The Order of Merit Biography of Henry James15 April 1843 – 28 February 1916)

4. Washington Square Setting: The Manhattan neighborhood of Washington Square, mid-19th century Summary: The novel focuses on Dr. Austin Sloper, a respected physician, and his daughter, Catherine, his only surviving child. Even though Catherine is a sweet girl, Dr. Sloper is disappointed in her because she is a “plain” girl who is dull in intellect. Other than Sloper and Catherine, Sloper’s sister, Lavinia, is the only other member in Sloper’s household. Catherine begins to court Morris Townsend, but Dr. Sloper completely disapproves of their relationship because he believes Townsend to only be after Catherine’s money. After the two announce their engagement, Dr. Loper begins to look into Townsend’s background and finds out that Townsend is a terrible spendthrift. As the novel progresses, Dr. Sloper forbids his daughter from marrying Townsend, forcing his daughter to choose between her father and her fiancé.

5. Family and Betrayal Home and Domesticity Truth and Deception Dr. Sloper feels betrayed by Catherine because she is unwilling to follow his advice about Morris Townsend. Dr. Sloper has been betrayed by his family because his wife and son have died and he feels left alone. Morris feels betrayed by Lavinia because she lured Morris into a financial trap. Much of the novel takes place in the Sloper home The hearth is a symbol of warmth in the home In the home, Dr. Sloper considers himself to be from royalty Dr. Sloper is intent on discovering the truth about Townsend, but is also interested in deceiving Catherine to see who she will be loyal to. Morris and Lavinia are characters who, for their own reasons, leave much of the truth unsaid Themes

6. Main Characters • Dr. Austin Sloper • A very successful doctor that almost always thinks he is right. Although he never recovered from the death of his wife, his experience. cleverness, and shine through.

7. Main Characters • Dr. Austin Sloper • A very successful doctor that almost always thinks he is right. Although he never recovered from the death of his wife, his experience. cleverness, and shine through.

8. Catherine Sloper • Referred to as “poor Catherine”, she is plagued by her brother’s death at age three and her mother’s death after giving birth. • She has inherited an annual income of $10,000 from her late mother's estate and stands to inherit an additional $20,000, annually, from her father's. • She is sweet hearted and honest but, to her father’s disapointment, not veryclever.

9. Lavinia Penniman • Sloper’s childless long-widowed sister. • Lavinia provides comic relief in the story by way of her unrealistic romantic scheming. • She takes Catherine’s love life into her own hands by encouraging her courtship with Morris and playing a leading role in the romantic melodrama. • She does not help, but makes the situation worse.

10. Morris Townsend • A man of about 30, that Catherine defies her father for. • He is tall, handsome, lives with his sister, and uses a small inheritance to travel the world. • Catherine is unable to resist his attention, intelligence, and grace.

11. Mrs. Almond • Sloper's other sister, is sensible and clever, and has a large, blooming family. Sloper frequently confides in her about Catherine's entanglement with Morris, and his sarcastic view of the situation contrasts with hers, which is more sympathetic.

12. Marian Almond • Mrs Almond's daughter, is an important contrast to Catherine. Marian is the conventional, flirtatious and confident young woman that Catherine isn't, who also marries "punctually".

13. Mrs. Montgomery • Morris’s sister • Lives in poverty with her 5 children • Dr. Sloper calls her to prove that Morris takes her money.

14. Major Conflicts • Catherine’s lack of self worth. The people around her do not give her the love she deserves and make her think she is unlovable. • As Morris seeks a wealthy wife, Dr. Sloper tries to defer Catherine’s love. • Choice vs. Delay: Catherine’s choice to marry Morris against her father’s wises, but not without delay. • Temptation: Mr.s Almond and her desire for romance. Morris and his desire for money/ a wealthy wife. • Dream vs. Hope: Catherine seeks her father’s approval.

15. The American The Turn of the Screw The Portrait of a Lady The Wings of the Dove Daisy Miller The Ambassadors Other Works by Henry James