Ready Reference Treatise: Washington Square

Raja Sharma

“Ready Reference Treatise: Washington Square” by Raja Sharma offers a thorough and nuanced exploration of Henry James’s novella, which made its debut in 1880. This comprehensive guide aims to shed light on the intricate layers of James’s narrative, revealing how the novella serves as both a poignant social commentary and a rich character study.

“Washington Square” is set in the genteel society of 19th-century New York and revolves around the poignant and often tragic life of Catherine Sloper. The novella masterfully portrays Catherine’s struggle to reconcile her desires with the expectations imposed by her father, Dr. Austin Sloper, and her romantic entanglement with Morris Townsend. Dr. Sloper’s character represents the intellectual and emotional aloofness prevalent among the upper echelons of society, while Morris Townsend introduces a layer of deception and moral ambiguity, complicating Catherine’s quest for genuine affection.

Raja Sharma’s treatise delves...