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Essay on Catherine's Conflicting Feelings in James' Washington Square

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Many conflicting situations that give way to problems often arise in life. These problems often create conflicting feelings within an individual who tries to but cannot satisfy both of the opposing sides. The novella, Washington Square by Henry James, portrays this idea. The story follows Dr. Sloper who marries a clever woman who bears him a son. However, death seizes both the mother and child, leaving only his daughter, Catherine, who spends most of her life trying to please her father, but could never please him because she was not clever like her mother. Later, at her cousin’s bridal party, she meets Morris, a handsome, jobless young man with whom she falls in love and to whom she wishes to marry. However, Dr. Sloper, believing that …show more content…

158). Dr. Sloper’s statement confirms his belief that Morris only wants his daughter’s money, which he admits later on in their conversation, when he replies, “…I plead guilty to that” (pg. 160). In order to please Morris, Catherine would have to marry him; however, in order to please her father, she cannot marry Morris. Two compelling desires, one to please Morris, the other to please her father, arise. Not only does Catherine have conflicting desires, but she has contradicting obligations as well. Catherine not only has an obligation to herself, but also to her father as well. After a series of visits, Catherine falls in love with Morris. When Catherine tells Dr. Sloper that she will marry Morris, the Doctor asks, “Are you very fond of Mr. Townsend?” Catherine replies, “I like him very much, of course-or I shouldn’t consent to marry him” (pg. 154), which confirms Catherine’s love for Morris and suggests Catherine’s happiness with him which leads to her obligation to herself. According to the teachings of Aristotle and the United States Declaration of Independence, “Every human being has a right and an obligation to pursue her/his own happiness.” Thus, Catherine has an obligation to seek happiness for herself by marrying Morris. However, children also have an obligation to obey their parents. Not only does Catherine have an obligation to herself, but also an obligation to her father, which poses

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