The progression of Washington Square is methodical and steady, as is typical of Henry James’s writing. The author meticulously crafts each scene, emphasizing character development over rapid plot progression. This gives readers ample opportunity to dwell on the intricacies of each character's motivations and conflicts. It also means that the novel can sometimes feel a little slow. Its pacing reflects the gradual unfolding of the discomforts and secrets within its small, tightly-packed world.
The language of the novel is consistent, formal, and decorous, befitting the 19th-century New York setting. Washington Square is a window into an era where conversations were careful and words held weight. James's choice of diction when it comes to dialogue underscores the societal constraints of the period. There’s a sense throughout that characters are watching what they say. Often, the most informative moments of character development happen as thoughts, or as silent observations by the narrator.
James is known for his complex sentence structures. The syntax of Washington Square is often complex, with long, descriptive sentences filled with figurative language and wordplay. This intricacy helps convey the internal turmoils and emotional wrangling of the characters, particularly Catherine and Morris Townsend. The author's diction is elegant yet always understated. James doesn't resort to over-the-top metaphors, instead relying on subtle imagery and nuance to convey depth.
