# XXVIII explained — Washington Square

> Chapter companion for Washington Square by Henry James.

## What happens

Morris Townsend, frustrated by Dr. Sloper's opposition, decides to break off his engagement to Catherine. He enlists Mrs. Penniman's help to ease the situation, while she secretly sympathizes with his desire to avoid a marriage without the Doctor's money. Their conversation reveals Morris's selfishness and Mrs. Penniman's conflicted loyalty.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Interest

Morris and Mrs. Penniman conspire to break off the engagement under the guise of noble motives, revealing their self-interest and willingness to deceive Catherine.

### Wealth and Class

The central conflict revolves around Dr. Sloper's refusal to provide his money, making Morris reconsider the marriage. Mrs. Penniman's logic that Morris should not marry without the Doctor's money underscores the importance of wealth in marital decisions.

### Family and Loyalty

Mrs. Penniman's divided loyalty between her brother Dr. Sloper and her niece Catherine, and her secret support for Morris, highlights the tension between family obligations and personal desires.

## Character check-ins

### Morris Townsend

Morris decides to give up Catherine, expressing frustration and seeking Mrs. Penniman's help to ease the breakup. He is ashamed but resolute, and he manipulates Mrs. Penniman into supporting his decision.

### Lavinia Penniman

Mrs. Penniman secretly meets Morris, offering sympathy and agreeing to help him break off the engagement. She is torn between her affection for Morris and her role as Catherine's protector, ultimately prioritizing Morris's future.

### Catherine Sloper

Catherine is discussed by Morris and Mrs. Penniman as the one who will suffer from the breakup. She is described as secretive and prepared for marriage, but unaware of Morris's intentions.

### Dr. Austin Sloper

Dr. Sloper is referenced as the obstacle to the marriage, having come home more impracticable than ever. His hatred of Morris is described as burning with a lurid flame, and he is expected to crow over Catherine if the engagement ends.

## Key lines

> I must give her up!

Morris declares he must end his relationship with Catherine.

_This marks Morris's decision to break off the engagement due to Dr. Sloper's opposition._

> Couldn't you take her down a little?

Morris asks Mrs. Penniman to prepare Catherine for the breakup.

_Morris seeks Mrs. Penniman's help to ease the emotional impact on Catherine._

> I will be your friend for life!

Mrs. Penniman promises lifelong loyalty to Morris.

_Mrs. Penniman commits to supporting Morris, even at Catherine's expense._

## Links

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