Washington Square by Henry James

Set in 19th-century New York City, Washington Square explores the life of Catherine Sloper, a plain, introverted woman caught between societal expectations and her longing for love. Her father, Dr. Austin Sloper, a wealthy physician, disapproves of her romance with the charming but penniless Morris Townsend, believing Morris is only after her inheritance. As tensions rise, Catherine must navigate her father’s harsh judgment and her own vulnerability, testing her resolve to claim agency over her life. Henry James masterfully delves into themes of independence, familial duty, and the constraints placed on women in a rigid society. The novel’s quiet intensity and rich character development highlight James’s signature style, blending psychological depth with subtle social critique. Readers are drawn into a timeless struggle between love and practicality, where every choice carries profound consequences.