Washington Square · Chapter
XXXI explained
Catherine avoids her father and aunt after Morris's departure.
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.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because Dr. Sloper explicitly acknowledges that Catherine will not break u…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes 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.
Characters to notice
- 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 passages
“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.
