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Abstract
Using Richard Lanham's concept of a substance and style continuum and of the economics of attention, this thesis explores Henry James's tendency to collapse the continuum in his novels of the 1880's. The chapters explore James's treatment of invention and style in The Portrait of a Lady, The Bostonians, and The Princess Casamassima, revealing James's tendency to dramatize moments of liberation for those of his characters who are able to pay attention, at the same time, to both substance and style.