Washington Square · Chapter
XXIV explained
During a year abroad with her father, Catherine Sloper remains outwardly docile but inwardly steadfast in her engagement to Morris Townsend.
What happens
During a year abroad with her father, Catherine Sloper remains outwardly docile but inwardly steadfast in her engagement to Morris Townsend. Dr. Sloper, suppressing his anger, tests her resolve in a remote Alpine valley and later in a Liverpool hotel, but Catherine refuses to yield. The chapter explores her quiet resistance and her father's calculated attempts to break her will.
Themes in this chapter
Parental Control and Rebellion
Dr. Sloper's attempt to control Catherine's marriage through isolation and intimidation is met with her quiet but firm defiance.
Deception and Self-Interest
Catherine hides her correspondence; Dr. Sloper uses the Alpine setting to manipulate her emotionally; both act from self-interest.
Innocence and Experience
Catherine's European tour is meant to broaden her, but she remains emotionally unchanged; her father's harsh words introduce her to a more cynical view of love.
Characters to notice
- Catherine Sloper
Remains outwardly obedient but inwardly resolute; reads Morris's letters in secret; defends her engagement against her father's accusations.
- Dr. Austin Sloper
Suppresses his anger for six months, then confronts Catherine in a dramatic Alpine scene and later in Liverpool; reveals his passionate and hard nature.
- Morris Townsend
Corresponds with Catherine regularly; his letters are enclosed in Mrs. Penniman's packets; remains the object of Dr. Sloper's contempt.
- Lavinia Penniman
Acts as an intermediary for Morris's letters to Catherine; her packets are handed to Catherine by Dr. Sloper.
Key passages
“She is about as intelligent as the bundle of shawls”
Dr. Sloper dismisses Catherine's intellectual engagement with their travels, comparing her unfavorably to a bundle of shawls.
Highlights Dr. Sloper's condescension and Catherine's perceived lack of animation.
“I am very angry.”
Dr. Sloper finally admits his suppressed rage after six months of silence.
Marks a turning point in their confrontation; reveals his controlled but intense emotions.
“We have fattened the sheep for him before he kills it!”
Dr. Sloper bitterly suggests that their European tour has only made Catherine more desirable for Morris to marry.
Illustrates Dr. Sloper's cynical view of Morris's intentions and his own role in the courtship.