Writings, 1902-1910 Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - The Varieties of Religious Experience Section 1 (Lectures I-X)

1. According to James, what is inquiry designed for?

2. How does James define religion?

3. For a man to experience the divine, what does James insist he must do?

4. What does James believe prompts people to act?

5. What is healthy-mindedness?

6. What are James' thoughts about suicide?

Short Essay Question - The Varieties of Religious Experience Section 2 (Lectures XI-Postcript)

7. What are the qualities of saintliness which James defines?