# XXXI explained — Washington Square

> Chapter companion for Washington Square by Henry James.

## What happens

Catherine avoids her father and aunt after Morris's departure. Mrs. Penniman advises her to tell her father that everything is proceeding. Catherine receives a long letter from Morris explaining his decision to leave for professional reasons and to end their engagement. Dr. Sloper confronts Catherine, who finally tells him she has broken off the engagement.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Self-Interest

Morris's letter is a polished explanation that masks his self-interest and abandonment of Catherine, while Mrs. Penniman advises Catherine to deceive her father about the engagement's status.

### Parental Control and Rebellion

Dr. Sloper exerts control by demanding to know Catherine's plans, but Catherine ultimately asserts her own decision to break the engagement, though she remains passive in her rebellion.

## Character check-ins

### Catherine Sloper

Catherine avoids her father, receives Morris's letter, and eventually tells her father she has broken the engagement.

### Dr. Austin Sloper

Dr. Sloper confronts Catherine about her plans and learns she has broken off the engagement.

### Lavinia Penniman

Mrs. Penniman discusses Catherine's situation with Mrs. Almond and advises Catherine to tell her father that everything is going on.

### Mrs. Almond

Mrs. Almond discusses Catherine's situation with Mrs. Penniman, expressing that Morris ought to be horsewhipped.

### Morris Townsend

Morris sends Catherine a letter from Philadelphia explaining his decision to end the engagement.

## Key lines

> I am delighted he is not to marry her, but he ought to be horsewhipped all the same.

Mrs. Almond is glad Catherine won't marry Morris, but thinks he deserves punishment.

_Mrs. Almond expresses her blunt opinion about Morris's behavior._

> It doesn’t seem to me that you are treating me just now with all the consideration I deserve.

Dr. Sloper feels Catherine is not showing him proper respect.

_Dr. Sloper confronts Catherine about her lack of communication._

> I shall not go away!

Catherine declares she will not leave her father's house.

_Catherine asserts her intention to stay, contradicting her father's expectations._

## Links

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