Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of Give Me Thine Heart

Give Me Thine Heart

Written by Edward Payson Roe

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it

454 pages, about 9 hours of reading

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

This work by Edward Payson Roe offers readers a unique literary experience.

Read it with a club

Small groups reading the same books and talking as they go.

All clubs
A warm-lit wall of bookshelves

News

  • 1 member
  • 1,813 discussions
  • Active 6h ago

Read Give Me Thine Heart alongside people who are reading it too.

Chaptra Prime — paid clubs, every club feature, and unlimited reading support, for $5 a month or $60 once.

See Prime

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Give Me Thine Heart, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 9 hours
  • intermediate
  • moralistic
  • redemptive
  • romantic

Edward Payson Roe's "Give Me Thine Heart" is a moralistic novel that explores the spiritual and emotional journey of its protagonist, Eleanor Vance, as she navigates the complexities of love, faith, and societal expectations. Initially drawn to superficial attractions and worldly ambitions, Eleanor undergoes a profound transformation through trials and the influence of a devout suitor, Arthur Sterling. The narrative delves into her internal conflict between a life of material comfort and one rooted in Christian principles, ultimately leading her to a deeper understanding of self-sacrifice, true love, and spiritual devotion. It is a story of redemption, where the protagonist learns that genuine happiness and fulfillment come from surrendering one's heart to higher ideals.

"Give me thine heart, my son, and let thine eyes observe my ways." (Proverbial quote, likely influential for the title and theme)

Key themes

Redemption and Spiritual Conversion
This is the central theme, tracing Eleanor Vance's journey from spiritual apathy and worldly ambition to a profound personal faith and moral transformation. The novel emphasizes the idea that true fulfillment comes from a change of heart and devotion to higher principles.
The Nature of True Love
The novel contrasts superficial, interest-driven affection with a deeper, more enduring love rooted in shared values, faith, and self-sacrifice. Arthur Sterling's patient and steadfast love for Eleanor serves as the ideal, contrasting with other fleeting attractions.
Worldliness vs. Piety
Roe consistently explores the tension between a life devoted to worldly pleasures, social ambition, and material gain versus a life guided by religious faith, moral integrity, and altruism. Eleanor's struggle embodies this central conflict.

Worth discussing

How does Eleanor Vance's understanding of 'heart' evolve throughout the novel? What does the title mean to her at different stages?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!