Washington Square · Chapter
II explained
This chapter provides a detailed portrait of Catherine Sloper's character and her relationship with her father, Dr.
What happens
This chapter provides a detailed portrait of Catherine Sloper's character and her relationship with her father, Dr. Austin Sloper. It describes Catherine as a plain, gentle, and obedient young woman who deeply admires and fears her father, though she consistently disappoints his expectations for a clever or distinguished daughter. The chapter also introduces Mrs. Penniman, Catherine's aunt, who lives with them and attempts to educate Catherine, while Dr. Sloper regards her efforts with skepticism.
Themes in this chapter
Parental Control and Rebellion
Dr. Sloper's disappointment in Catherine and his attempts to shape her into a clever woman illustrate his control over her upbringing, while Catherine's passive obedience and fear of him highlight the power dynamic.
Innocence and Experience
Catherine is portrayed as innocent, shy, and unassuming, lacking the worldly cleverness her father desires. Her simplicity contrasts with her father's experienced, critical view of the world.
Gender Roles and Power
Dr. Sloper's low opinion of women's intellect and his preference for his reasonable late wife over his sister reflect the era's gender dynamics. Catherine's lack of ambition to shine aligns with traditional feminine ideals.
Characters to notice
- Catherine Sloper
Described as a plain, gentle, and obedient young woman who is deeply devoted to her father but aware that she disappoints him. She is shy, irresponsive, and not clever, but affectionate and truthful.
- Dr. Austin Sloper
A proud and clever man who is disappointed by his daughter's ordinariness. He is philosophical about it, does his duty by her, and holds a low opinion of women's intellect, except for his late wife.
- Lavinia Penniman
Catherine's aunt, a tall, thin, faded woman with a romantic and sentimental nature. She has taken charge of Catherine's education, though Dr. Sloper is unimpressed by her abilities.
- Mrs. Almond
Dr. Sloper's younger sister, a comely and reasonable woman, and a favorite of her brother. She is the mother of a blooming family.
Key passages
“Her deepest desire was to please him, and her conception of happiness was to know that she had succeeded in pleasing him.”
Catherine's main goal in life was to make her father happy, and she defined happiness as achieving that goal.
Highlights Catherine's devotion to her father and her dependence on his approval.
“She was not absolutely veracious; but this defect was of no great consequence, for she had never had anything to conceal.”
Mrs. Penniman was not entirely truthful, but it didn't matter because she had no real secrets to hide.
Describes Mrs. Penniman's harmless dishonesty and her romantic, secretive nature.
“He satisfied himself that he had expected nothing, though, indeed, with a certain oddity of reasoning. 'I expect nothing,' he said to himself, 'so that if she gives me a surprise, it will be all clear again. If she doesn't, it will be no loss.'”
Dr. Sloper convinced himself that he had no expectations for Catherine, reasoning that if she ever surprised him it would be a gain, and if not, he would lose nothing.
Shows Dr. Sloper's philosophical resignation to his daughter's ordinariness.