Washington Square

A wealthy spinster receives a proposal from a dashing suitor and her father threatens her with disinheritance if she accepts. James masterfully explores the moral consequences of a tender heart's ruthless manipulation.

The shy and sweet daughter of a well-to-do physician, Catherine Sloper seems destined for lifelong spinsterhood until the sudden appearance of a dashing suitor who proposes marriage. Her adored father suspects the would-be fiance of fortune-hunting and threatens her with disinheritance, forcing Catherine to choose between lover and father.