Washington Square · Chapter
Chapter V explained
Morris Townsend and his cousin Arthur call on Catherine and Mrs.
What happens
Morris Townsend and his cousin Arthur call on Catherine and Mrs. Penniman. Catherine is captivated by Morris, while Arthur discusses his upcoming marriage and New York society. Mrs. Penniman later reveals to Catherine that Morris is coming to court her, though Catherine is skeptical and bewildered.
Themes in this chapter
Love and Marriage
The chapter introduces Morris Townsend's courtship of Catherine, framed by Arthur Townsend's pragmatic discussion of marriage and housing, contrasting romantic interest with practical considerations.
Deception and Self-Interest
Mrs. Penniman's secretive encouragement of Morris and her manipulation of Catherine's feelings, along with Morris's calculated use of a 'pretext' to visit, highlight underlying self-interest.
Characters to notice
- Catherine Sloper
Catherine is deeply affected by Morris Townsend's presence, listening intently to his conversation with her aunt and feeling both admiration and confusion about his intentions.
- Morris Townsend
Morris visits with his cousin, engages Mrs. Penniman in conversation, and hints at his interest in Catherine, leaving her with a promise to return.
- Lavinia Penniman
Mrs. Penniman orchestrates the visit, encourages Morris's attention, and later reveals to Catherine that Morris is coming to court her.
- Arthur Townsend
Arthur accompanies his cousin, discusses his upcoming marriage to Marian Almond and his views on New York real estate, and provides information about Morris's background.
Key passages
“He learned what he had asked some three or four days later, after Morris Townsend, with his cousin, had called in Washington Square.”
Dr. Sloper found out the answer to his question a few days later, after Morris Townsend and his cousin visited Washington Square.
This opening sentence sets the timeline and introduces the visit.
“Catherine would have liked to change her place, to go and sit near them, where she might see and hear him better. But she was afraid of seeming bold—of looking eager; and, besides, it would not have been polite to Marian's little suitor.”
Catherine wanted to move closer to Morris and her aunt to better observe and listen, but she held back because she didn't want to appear forward or rude to Arthur Townsend.
Reveals Catherine's growing attraction and her internal conflict between desire and propriety.
“It's a great secret, my dear child; but he is coming a-courting!”
Mrs. Penniman excitedly tells Catherine that Morris intends to court her.
Mrs. Penniman's dramatic revelation of Morris's intentions, which Catherine finds hard to believe.