# Chapter VI explained — Washington Square

> Chapter companion for Washington Square by Henry James.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/washington_square_se/chapters