Washington Square Setting & Symbolism

Washington Square Objects/Places

Clothing

Catherine has a habit of buying expensive clothing and trinkets before she meets Mr. Townsend.

Letters

Catherine and Mr. Townsend correspond quite often in letters during their courtship and while Catherine is in Europe with her father.

Sweetcakes

Catherine has a habit of buying and eating sweetcakes before meeting Mr. Townsend.

Wine

Mr. Townsend finds that he really likes the wine that Dr. Sloper has collected in his wine cellar.

Oyster House

Mrs. Penniman meets Mr. Townsend in secret at an oyster house in order to suggest he elope with Catherine.

Dr. Sloper's Study

While Dr. Sloper is in Europe, Mr. Townsend makes himself at home in his study, looking at his expensive collections.

Mrs. Montgomery's House

Mrs. Montgomery lives in a modest red brick home that is a sample of her near poverty.

Mrs. Almond's Home

Mrs. Almond lives in a modest home uptown from her brother, Dr. Sloper.

Washington Square

Washington Square is an affluent section of New York City during the time in...
(read more)