Abstract

This paper discusses the materialism conflict in Washington Square as Henry James complains the materialistic, capitalist American society. He portrays materialistic characters in order to show the conflict between money and love. The main conflict in the novel is between the unemotional Dr. Sloper and his only daughter Catherine who urges to marry Townsend .Dr. Sloper thinks that Townsend's motives are for Catherine's money that she is likely to inherit. There are many clues that support my opinion about the materialistic conflict in this novel such as, the motives of Morris Townsend, and the fact that money plays an essential role in the relationship between the main characters.It seems that Materialism dominates a great part of the novel. James represents characters to help him elaborate the idea of a materialistic and capitalist American society in the 19thcentury. The conflict between Dr. Sloper and Morris Townsend is controlled by the desire of money. Washington Square ends as it begins. Achieving and maintaining a strong financial status remains a powerful motivator for each of the novel characters.