Washington Square Rhetorical Analysis Essay
Steven Liounis 2/23/13
Ms. Soltis AP Language & Composition In his novel Washington Square, Henry James uses a number of rhetorical and literary devices to employ, develop, and fully elaborate on the characters introduced throughout his novel. Each character is introduced after an interaction with the Sloper family, the activities of which are the main focus of the novel. After devoting two chapters to the establishment of the story background, James begins to introduce characters, usually opening their entrances into the story by giving a physical description or a background of that character. It is only after a character has entered into the story that James begins to develop that character and simultaneously the plot overall. The level at which James characterizes the individuals in the story paves the way for their interactions and …show more content…
Sloper is Catherine’s only other immediate family member, though she seems to share the least with him compared to the other characters in the book. Dr. Sloper can best be described as cool and calculating. He either over-thinks and analyzes concepts and issues that deeply trouble him, or simply takes his first impression and sticks with it. This is especially apparent in his conversation with Mrs. Montgomery where he outright states his first impression is usually right. He actually believes everything he says is right, and remains calm the whole time, even in the face of overwhelming irritation and anger, such as during the conversation with Morris about the proposal. Ms. Penniman serves a far greater role in her imagination than she does in the novel itself. She acts as the organizer of Catherine and Morris’ first meeting, and tries to help them along the way. James often draws aside certain parts of the story devoted to Penniman’s thoughts, those of which are usually extremely exaggerated and far ahead of the actual story itself. So, primarily, she serves as a comic
Ms. Soltis AP Language & Composition In his novel Washington Square, Henry James uses a number of rhetorical and literary devices to employ, develop, and fully elaborate on the characters introduced throughout his novel. Each character is introduced after an interaction with the Sloper family, the activities of which are the main focus of the novel. After devoting two chapters to the establishment of the story background, James begins to introduce characters, usually opening their entrances into the story by giving a physical description or a background of that character. It is only after a character has entered into the story that James begins to develop that character and simultaneously the plot overall. The level at which James characterizes the individuals in the story paves the way for their interactions and …show more content…
Sloper is Catherine’s only other immediate family member, though she seems to share the least with him compared to the other characters in the book. Dr. Sloper can best be described as cool and calculating. He either over-thinks and analyzes concepts and issues that deeply trouble him, or simply takes his first impression and sticks with it. This is especially apparent in his conversation with Mrs. Montgomery where he outright states his first impression is usually right. He actually believes everything he says is right, and remains calm the whole time, even in the face of overwhelming irritation and anger, such as during the conversation with Morris about the proposal. Ms. Penniman serves a far greater role in her imagination than she does in the novel itself. She acts as the organizer of Catherine and Morris’ first meeting, and tries to help them along the way. James often draws aside certain parts of the story devoted to Penniman’s thoughts, those of which are usually extremely exaggerated and far ahead of the actual story itself. So, primarily, she serves as a comic