# XIII explained — Washington Square

> Chapter companion for Washington Square by Henry James.

## What happens

Dr. Sloper remains firm in his opposition to Morris Townsend, despite Mrs. Almond's gentle skepticism. He decides to write to Mrs. Montgomery to verify his suspicions about Morris's character. The conversation reveals Catherine's passive acceptance of her father's will, and Dr. Sloper relies on the fear he instills in Catherine and Mrs. Penniman to ensure his plans succeed.

## Themes in this chapter

### Parental Control and Rebellion

Dr. Sloper exercises firm control over Catherine's romantic choices, relying on her fear and obedience, while Mrs. Penniman's mild rebellion is dismissed as ineffective.

### Deception and Self-Interest

Dr. Sloper suspects Morris of being a fortune hunter and plans to investigate through Mrs. Montgomery, highlighting the theme of hidden motives.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Austin Sloper

Defends his judgment of Morris Townsend and plans to write to Mrs. Montgomery for confirmation.

### Mrs. Almond

Questions Dr. Sloper's certainty and expresses sympathy for Catherine's dilemma.

### Catherine Sloper

Discussed as taking her father's opposition as a matter of course, without making a scene.

### Lavinia Penniman

Mentioned as having made a speech against Dr. Sloper's arbitrariness, but is ultimately afraid of him.

### Mrs. Montgomery

Dr. Sloper intends to write to her to learn the truth about Morris's character.

## Key lines

> If she is worth talking to, she will sooner play him a trick than that he should play Catherine one.

If Mrs. Montgomery is a good person, she would rather deceive her brother than let him deceive Catherine.

_Dr. Sloper expresses his hope that Mrs. Montgomery will prioritize Catherine's welfare over loyalty to Morris._

> She is not scenic.

Catherine does not make dramatic displays of emotion.

_Dr. Sloper describes Catherine's passive and undramatic response to his opposition._

## Links

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