# XXVII explained — Washington Square

> Chapter companion for Washington Square by Henry James.

## What happens

Dr. Sloper returns from his travels and confronts Mrs. Penniman about her continued support of Morris Townsend during his absence. He warns her that he remains inflexible in his opposition to the engagement. The Doctor also discusses Catherine's steadfastness with Mrs. Almond, expressing frustration that Catherine remains unchanged and determined. Mrs. Penniman, frightened by her brother's words, writes to Morris, revealing her deep romantic and maternal investment in him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Parental Control and Rebellion

Dr. Sloper's inflexible opposition to Catherine's engagement and her quiet but steadfast resistance exemplify the conflict between paternal authority and filial rebellion.

### Deception and Self-Interest

Mrs. Penniman's secret support of Morris and her romantic self-interest in his affairs highlight the theme of deception and personal gain.

### Family and Loyalty

The tension between Dr. Sloper and Mrs. Penniman over loyalty to family versus personal desires underscores the theme of divided family loyalties.

## Character check-ins

### Dr. Austin Sloper

Returns from his travels and confronts Mrs. Penniman about her support of Morris Townsend, reiterating his inflexible opposition to the engagement.

### Lavinia Penniman

Frightened by her brother's warnings, she writes to Morris Townsend; her romantic and maternal interest in Morris is highlighted.

### Catherine Sloper

Remains steadfast in her attachment to Morris, unchanged by her travels with her father.

### Morris Townsend

Has been a frequent visitor during Dr. Sloper's absence, supported by Mrs. Penniman; his business is mentioned as making money.

### Mrs. Almond

Discusses Catherine's steadfastness with Dr. Sloper and shows motherly kindness to Catherine.

## Key lines

> I have no doubt you have seen a great deal of Mr. Townsend, and done your best to console him for Catherine's absence... The thing is simply an inference of my own—an induction, as the philosophers say.

Dr. Sloper tells Mrs. Penniman he knows she has been entertaining Morris Townsend in his absence, deducing it from subtle clues rather than direct reports.

_Demonstrates Dr. Sloper's perceptiveness and his confrontational approach to Mrs. Penniman._

> She will never let go... If she doesn't let go, she will be shaken off—sent tumbling into the dust!

Dr. Sloper expresses his frustration that Catherine will not abandon her attachment to Morris, predicting she will face a harsh rejection.

_Highlights Dr. Sloper's exasperation and the impending conflict._

> Mrs. Penniman was as fond of her as ever, but she had grown to feel that with Catherine she lacked opportunity. Sentimentally speaking, therefore, she had (though she had not disinherited her niece) adopted Morris Townsend, who gave her opportunity in abundance.

Mrs. Penniman still loves Catherine but finds her unresponsive to romantic sentiment, so she has emotionally adopted Morris Townsend as a surrogate son who satisfies her need for drama.

_Reveals Mrs. Penniman's romantic and maternal fixation on Morris._

## Links

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