Washington Square

"Washing Square" by Henry James is a novel written during the late 19th century. The plot revolves around Catherine Sloper, the daughter of Dr. Austin Sloper, a successful physician in New York. The story delves into themes of social status, parental expectations, and self-identity, as Catherine navigates her father's disappointment in her perceived mediocrity and unfulfilled romantic aspirations. The opening of "Washington Square" introduces Dr. Sloper, a well-respected and prominent physician, and provides insight into his marriage and the early life of Catherine, his only surviving child after the loss of a son and his wife. It explores how his past experiences shape his relationship with Catherine, highlighting his struggles between professional pride and personal disappointment. As Catherine grows older, her relationship with her father becomes strained, marked by his unrelenting criticism and her yearning for his approval. The arrival of Morris Townsend, a charming but questionable suitor, complicates things further, setting the stage for tension between desires for love and parental authority. This portion establishes the groundwork for the unfolding drama centered on familial love and societal expectations in a rigid social milieu. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Henry James was an American-British author. He is regarded as a key transitional figure between literary realism and literary modernism, and is considered by many to be among the greatest novelists in the English language. He was the son of Henry James Sr. and the brother of philosopher and psychologist William James and diarist Alice James.