Washington Square · Chapter
Chapter VI explained
Dr.
What happens
Dr. Sloper and Mrs. Almond discuss Morris Townsend's intentions and character, revealing his lack of profession and his past. Mrs. Penniman encourages Catherine to meet Morris alone, and during a long visit, Morris questions Catherine about her tastes and shares his own views on travel and the arts.
Themes in this chapter
Wealth and Class
Catherine's inheritance of thirty thousand a year is discussed as a significant factor in her attractiveness to suitors, highlighting the role of wealth in marriage.
Deception and Self-Interest
Dr. Sloper questions Morris's motives, suspecting self-interest, while Mrs. Penniman's encouragement of the match may stem from her own romantic imagination.
Innocence and Experience
Catherine's innocence is contrasted with Morris's worldliness, as he shares his travels and views, while she confesses her limited experiences.
Characters to notice
- Catherine Sloper
Catherine listens to her father and aunt's conversation about Morris, then meets him alone for a long visit, confiding her secret passion for the theatre and opera.
- Morris Townsend
Morris visits Catherine again, spending over an hour with her, asking personal questions and sharing his opinions on travel and the arts.
- Dr. Austin Sloper
Dr. Sloper discusses Morris with Mrs. Almond, learning about Morris's lack of profession and his past, and expresses skepticism about his motives.
- Lavinia Penniman
Mrs. Penniman encourages Catherine to see Morris alone, finding him 'imperious' and imagining him as the sort of husband she might have had.
- Mrs. Almond
Mrs. Almond provides Dr. Sloper with information about Morris Townsend, including his lack of profession and his sister Mrs. Montgomery.
Key passages
“She has got such an artificial mind”
Mrs. Almond describes Mrs. Penniman as having a contrived or unnatural way of thinking.
Mrs. Almond criticizes Lavinia's tendency to conceal and manipulate information.
“He is like a revolving lighthouse; pitch darkness alternating with a dazzling brilliancy!”
Dr. Sloper compares Mrs. Penniman's behavior to a lighthouse that alternates between secrecy and sudden bluntness.
Dr. Sloper uses a metaphor to describe Lavinia's unpredictable communication style.
“Catherine is not unmarriageable, but she is absolutely unattractive.”
Dr. Sloper states that Catherine could marry but lacks physical appeal.
Dr. Sloper's blunt assessment of Catherine's appearance reflects his critical view of her.