To what extent does James make Dr Sloper a frightening character?

Thesis statements proposed by groups in class (we marked in bold which elements we thought were the strongest in the thesis statement):

 

In Henry James’ novel Washington Square, James makes Dr Sloper a frightening character through his rude treatment of Morris, his systematic rejection of Catherine’s demands, and his sexist attitude.

 

James makes Dr Sloper a very frightening character through his relationship with Catherine, his sexist point of view, and his wickedness towards Morris.

 

In Henry James’ novel Washington Square, James uses interior monologue, thought vs dialogue, and             to make Dr Sloper a cold-hearted, stubborn and pessimistic character.

 

James makes Dr Sloper a slightly frightening character through the way he talks to Catherine, how he wants to control her, and the way he has satisfaction in her suffering.

James makes Dr Sloper a cruel and authoritative character through his brutal and vicious thoughts, his cold-hearted reactions to Catherine’s struggle, and his hypocritical way of addressing people.

 

Proposed “winner” rewrite of the thesis:

 

In Henry James’ novel Washington Square, James shows how Dr Sloper is a cold-hearted, stubborn, and pessimistic character through his sexist point of view, his systematic rejection of Catherine’s demands, and his vicious thoughts of satisfaction in Catherine’s suffering.