Washington Square

The setting is New York City in the 1850s (one of the few Jamesian novels set in his native land). The story centers on an heiress who lacks beauty and wit, her proud father, and her fortune-hunting suitor.

The force of this outstanding short novel lies in paradox. The father accurately appraises the suitor and forbids the marriage.

His judgment is correct: his fault is to call the trifler a trifler. Paradox is carried further when out of love comes cruelty, out of innocence, treachery.