Washington Square · Chapter
XXXII explained
Years pass after Catherine's broken engagement.
What happens
Years pass after Catherine's broken engagement. Dr. Sloper remains suspicious that Morris Townsend's disappearance is a ruse, while Catherine quietly becomes an old maid, devoting herself to charitable works and refusing other suitors. Mrs. Penniman maintains a telling silence about Morris, and the Doctor is left in the dark about his daughter's true feelings.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Self-Interest
Dr. Sloper suspects Morris's absence is a 'blind' and that Catherine may be complicit, while Mrs. Penniman's silence about Morris hints at hidden knowledge.
Innocence and Experience
Catherine's transformation from a naive young woman into a resigned, experienced old maid who has learned to fill the void in her life with routine and charity.
Family and Loyalty
The strained relationship between Catherine and her father, and the differing loyalties of Mrs. Almond and Mrs. Penniman, highlight family dynamics.
Characters to notice
- Catherine Sloper
Has become an admirable old maid, refusing suitors and devoting herself to charitable institutions. She keeps her father in the dark about her true feelings and never mentions Morris.
- Dr. Austin Sloper
Remains suspicious that Morris's disappearance is a 'blind' and that Morris will return after his death. He refuses to show sympathy for Catherine, insisting she is better off.
- Lavinia Penniman
Grows younger in appearance and remains officious, but maintains a consistent silence about Morris Townsend for over seventeen years, which alarms Catherine.
- Mrs. Almond
Takes up Catherine after the rupture and criticizes Dr. Sloper for his lack of sympathy, though she learns no secrets from Catherine.
- Mrs. Montgomery
Has nothing to impart to Dr. Sloper; she believes Morris has gone to California and prefers not to bear witness against him now that Miss Sloper is out of danger.
- Morris Townsend
Remains absent and unremittingly gone; Dr. Sloper suspects he is hiding and waiting for the Doctor's death to return.
Key passages
“Our story has hitherto moved with very short steps, but as it approaches its termination it must take a long stride.”
The narrative has been slow and detailed, but now it must jump ahead significantly as it nears its conclusion.
The narrator signals a time jump to cover the many years that pass after Catherine's broken engagement.
“There was something dead in her life, and her duty was to try and fill the void.”
A part of Catherine's spirit had died, and she felt obligated to occupy the emptiness with meaningful activities.
Describes Catherine's internal state after the dual blows of Morris's betrayal and her father's harshness.
“I don't see anything cruel in that; one can't keep it there too long.”
Dr. Sloper sees no cruelty in maintaining his opposition to the idea of Morris, insisting it must be upheld indefinitely.
Reflects Dr. Sloper's unyielding stance and lack of empathy for Catherine's suffering.