A Critique of Henry James Washington Square :: Henry James Washington Square

A Critique of Henry James Washington SquareI will admit it I did not like Washington Square. That said, when I read the first line to Donald Halls afterword, I felt like throwing the book away Everyone likes Washington Square (220), HA strong not me, Mr. Hall. I am not exactly sure why I kept on reading maybe I was feeling a little masochistic that day So, behold my surprise when I began to suffice across some of the authors words that expressed servicemany of the thoughts that I had about the tonic and its characters. Luckily, I did not have to read much before some of these ideas came into play.Throughout the critique, the author addresses not only the work itself, but also how the horizontal surface came to be. I found it interesting to learn that Henry James had, in reality, only invented the character of Dr. Sloper. The other characters, as well as the unexampleds main plot, had come from a story that James had been told. Considering the absolute realism of the novel, the f act that James had adapted it from reality makes perfect sense.The aspect of this afterword that I found the most fascinate was Halls critique of Mrs. Penniman. Morris Townsend is revealed as her fantasy of an oedipal lover (230). That line really struck me for it seemed to be the first comment that I had read that was unusual and new. Anyone reading the novel could, rather quickly, deduce the general personalities of the characters. The authors observations about Catherine, Dr. Sloper and Morris do not reveal any new character dynamics. But, his ideas about Mrs. Penniman elaborate beyond the usual quizzical and selfish remarks.Throughout the Afterword, Hall remarks about the moral conflict of the novel. The author states that The moral force of this novel lies in the paradox of Dr. Slopers wrong-rightnes (224). He goes on to explain that the reader has a love-hate relationship with Dr. Sloper. You know that he is right about Morris from the beginning, but it is very difficult to overlook what a horrible and cold man he is. In part, I agree with the authors idea it is difficult to fully despise a man who is right. But, Dr. Slopers concerns about Catherine marrying the fortune hunting Morris seem more to be concerns over his money, rather than his daughters well being and happiness.