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52 pages 1 hour read

Henry James

Washington Square

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1880

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Essay Topics

1.

Townsend’s appearance alters Catherine’s relationships with her father and Mrs. Penniman. To what extent does Townsend damage the relationships at Washington Square, and to what extent does he reveal preexisting familial problems?

2.

Although Dr. Sloper is wealthy and perhaps arrogant, he does not disdain hard work. Indeed, he works hard at his profession. In this social setting, how do you make sense of Townsend's aversion to having a career?

3.

What does Catherine’s tendency toward silence reveal about her character? How does this affect how other characters view her?

4.

What part does physical beauty play in the novel? How is it compared or contrasted to moral goodness, good sense, and/or intelligence?

5.

What are the advantages of Dr. Sloper bringing his scientific training to his evaluation of human nature? What are its limitations? When does his scientific training lead to correct conclusions and when does he err?

6.

Explain how the limited career options available to women in the mid-19th century affect Catherine’s two aunts, Mrs. Penniman and Mrs. Almond.

7.

Write a scene in which Dr. Sloper is persuaded to leave his money to Catherine even if she marries Townsend. What appeals could Catherine or another character make that might persuade him?

8.

Compare and contrast Catherine’s unmarried life with that of Mrs. Montgomery, Townsend’s widowed sister. What advantages (emotional, economic, social, etc.) does Catherine have? What disadvantages?

9.

What are the duties and obligations between parent and child? In what sense do Dr. Sloper and Catherine succeed or fail in meeting their obligations to each other as father and daughter?

10.

What does the novel ultimately suggest about the institution of marriage? Is there a successful marriage in the novel?

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