Washington Square

"Washington Square" by Henry James is a story set in 19th-century New York, focused on Catherine Sloper, daughter to a respected doctor. Catherine grapples with her father’s high expectations and her own desire to find love and prove herself. The story begins by introducing Dr. Sloper and his relationship with Catherine, marked by his critical view of her and her longing for his approval. The arrival of Morris Townsend, a charming man who seeks Catherine's hand, sparks a conflict between Catherine's wish for love and her father's disapproval. The story explores themes of social class, family expectations, and how Catherine comes to find her own identity in the face of these pressures.