William James Writing Styles in The Varieties of Religious Experience

This Study Guide consists of approximately 55 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Varieties of Religious Experience.

William James Writing Styles in The Varieties of Religious Experience

This Study Guide consists of approximately 55 pages of chapter summaries, quotes, character analysis, themes, and more - everything you need to sharpen your knowledge of The Varieties of Religious Experience.
This section contains 321 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)
Buy The Varieties of Religious Experience Study Guide

Since The Varieties of Religious Experience was originally delivered in the form of spoken lectures, the style of writing is dictated more by the rules of oration than by those of composition. A series of twenty separate lectures were given by James in 1901. In these lectures, James first presents his ideas, then defines their terms and provides examples to demonstrate the significance of his findings.

James talks directly to the audience in the firstperson point of view. His arguments follow a logical path, sometimes using questions to lead his discussion forward and next providing the responses as he interprets them. Since his lectures offer extensive material that must be slowly assimilated, he breaks down his information into easily digestible portions. His use of examples not only adds signifi- cance to his theories but also offers a break in the intellectual discourse. The examples put a face on the...

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This section contains 321 words
(approx. 1 page at 400 words per page)
Buy The Varieties of Religious Experience Study Guide
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The Varieties of Religious Experience from Gale. ©2005-2006 Thomson Gale, a part of the Thomson Corporation. All rights reserved.