Catherine Slopers Self-realization in Henry James Washington Square E

Catherine Slopers Self-realization in Henry James uppercase SquareIn his essay, chapiter Square A Study in the Growth of an Inner Self, James W. Gargano argues convincingly that the Henry Jamess novel, Washington Square, revolves around the emotional, psychological, and spiritual development of Catherine Sloper. With one lowly exception, Gargano makes his case so persuasively that it seems hard to believe that there could be any other view of Catherine and her role in the book. Yet, Gargano asserts that James scholars before him take persistently focused elsewhere leaving Catherine to be categorized much the same way her father characterizes her as dull and listless (Gargano 355, 357). Gargano rightly shifts the censorious debate from fascination with the ethical conundrum of Dr. Slopers behavior to concentration on the process of self-realization which takes place slowly and silently in Catherines mind (Gargano 355). conclusion proof of his thesis in the exacting way James inv estigates Catherines growth, Gargano sees that James has purposely shown Catherine as innocent in the beginning of the story to demonstrate a contrast to who she becomes as she begins to wake up to herself as the story progresses, and contends that upon meeting Townsend, Catherine emerges from a sort of dormancy (Gorgano 356). Gorgano astutely points out that meeting Townsend is not a horrible mishap in the life of Catherine Sloper, but an event which catalyzes the girl to mature in her thinking and feeling.Gargano pays special attention not only to Catherines behavioural changes, but to the way James notes those changes as part of an inner process (Gargano 356). From her deceptive replies to her fathers straight forward questions t... ...orsel of fancywork, and seating herself with it again-for life, as it were imply an empty period of hold for death (Gargano 362, James 219). This definition of the end of Washington Square is inconsistent with Garganos earlier contentions, and s hould be re-examined. Another possible and significantly more powerful interpretation of the ending of the book-that James is showing Catherine as fully self-contained and ultimately satisfied with the choices that she has made-makes more sense. Despite his final reticence, the quality of his thinking and the quantity of his designate suggest that James Gargano has a good understanding of Henry Jamess main artistic occupation in writing Washington Square.Works CitedGargano, James W. Washington Square A Study in the growth of an Inner Self. James, Henry. Washington Square. New York Signet, 1979.