Washington Square · Chapter
Chapter IX explained
At a Sunday evening gathering at Mrs.
What happens
At a Sunday evening gathering at Mrs. Almond's, Dr. Sloper observes Morris Townsend sitting with Catherine and feels a pang of pity for his daughter's discomfort. He decides to give Morris a chance and engages him in conversation about employment, offering to keep him in mind for opportunities. Morris mentions his responsibilities to his sister and her children. Later, Dr. Sloper asks Mrs. Almond to arrange a meeting with Morris's sister, Mrs. Montgomery. Morris privately tells Catherine that her father has insulted him by taunting his poverty, and he insists they must meet secretly in the Square rather than at her house.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Class
Morris Townsend feels insulted by Dr. Sloper's taunts about his poverty, highlighting the class tensions between the wealthy Sloper family and the fortune-seeking Morris.
Deception and Self-Interest
Morris manipulates Catherine by claiming her father insulted him, using her guilt and affection to push for a secret meeting, while Dr. Sloper suspects Morris's motives and plans to investigate his background.
Parental Control and Rebellion
Catherine's fear of her father's disapproval and her trembling obedience contrast with her quiet defiance in continuing to see Morris, while Dr. Sloper actively tries to control the situation by probing Morris's character.
Characters to notice
- Catherine Sloper
Deeply uncomfortable under her father's gaze while sitting with Morris; later defends her father to Morris, insisting he is full of goodness, but trembles at the thought of her father forbidding the relationship.
- Morris Townsend
Sits with Catherine at the party, later tells her her father insulted him by taunting his poverty, and insists on a secret meeting in the Square rather than at her house.
- Dr. Austin Sloper
Observes Catherine and Morris, feels pity for her discomfort, decides to give Morris a chance, and questions him about employment; later asks Mrs. Almond to arrange a meeting with Morris's sister.
- Lavinia Penniman
Silent during the carriage ride home; is lost in wonderment at Catherine's preference for a parlour interview over a sentimental tryst.
- Mrs. Almond
Hosts the Sunday evening gathering; agrees to arrange a meeting between Dr. Sloper and Mrs. Montgomery; privately notes that Morris does not have the cut of a schoolmaster.
Key passages
“I can't in self-respect. Your father has insulted me.”
Morris tells Catherine that he cannot visit her home because her father has offended his dignity.
Morris uses this claim to pressure Catherine into agreeing to a secret meeting.
“He has taunted me with my poverty.”
Morris accuses Dr. Sloper of mocking him for being poor.
This reveals the class conflict central to Morris's grievance.
“Where my father is concerned, you must not be sure. He is full of goodness.”
Catherine insists that her father is kind and that Morris misunderstands him.
Catherine's loyalty to her father is evident even as she is drawn to Morris.