Take a story's temperature by studying its tone. Is it hopeful? Cynical? Snarky? Playful?
Chatty, Matter-of-Fact
Though Kempe speaks of "high contemplation" and spiritual communion with just about every saint in heaven, when it comes right down to it, she's always the woman from Bishop's Lynn. She wants to live the contemplative life, but she's constantly compelled to participate in worldly life, whether by the command of Jesus Christ or by her desire to speak with holy people about her experiences.
As a result, Kempe's voice sounds more like a slightly wacky neighbor telling you about her latest travels rather than like a theologian expounding on the mysteries of the Trinity. Case in point? Her friendly interactions with Richard of Caister, Vicar of St. Stephen's Church in Norfolk. Allow us:
She greeted the Vicar, asking him if she could—in the afternoon, when he had eaten—speak with him for an hour or two of the love of God. He, lifting up his hands and blessing himself, said, "Bless us! How could a woman occupy one or two hours with the love of our Lord? I shan't eat a thing till I find out what you can have to say of our Lord God in the space of an hour." (I.17.74)
Richard himself is surprised by her matter-of-fact way of declaring such a lofty theme for discussion, and finds it pretty easy to engage in the kind of playful banter that will make him her one of her spiritual BFFs.