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Cover of To Him That Hath

To Him That Hath

Written by Leroy Scott

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Love storiesNew York (N.Y.)Ex-convictsSelf-sacrifice

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About this book

“To Him That Hath” by Leroy Scott is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around David Aldrich, a struggling author who faces profound grief and moral dilemmas following the death of his close friend, Reverend Philip Morton. The narrative dives deep into themes of loss, guilt, and the societal expectations surrounding success and failure, setting the stage for David's internal conflict as he grapples with his sense of worth and responsibility. At the start of the book, David is thrust into a whirlwind of emotions upon receiving news of Morton's unexpected death. Overwhelmed by grief, he reflects on his friendship with Morton and the impact his mentor had on the community through his humanitarian efforts. As David prepares for the funeral, he is confronted not only with the loss of a dear friend but also with the stark reality of their contrasting lives—Morton as a respected and beloved figure, and himself as a struggling writer. The opening chapters establish a poignant tone, exploring David's feelings of inadequacy and foreshadowing the moral choices he will have to make in the face of mortality and legacy.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in To Him That Hath, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • somber
  • introspective
  • thought-provoking

Leroy Scott's "To Him That Hath" is an early 20th-century novel exploring profound themes of grief, guilt, and societal expectations through the eyes of David Aldrich, a struggling author. Following the sudden death of his revered friend and mentor, Reverend Philip Morton, David is plunged into an emotional crisis, grappling with his sense of inadequacy compared to Morton's impactful legacy. The narrative delves into David's internal conflict as he confronts the stark reality of their contrasting lives and the moral dilemmas that arise from his friend's passing. It sets the stage for a journey of self-discovery where David must reconcile his personal struggles with the pressures of defining success and worth in society.

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Key themes

Loss and Grief
The novel immediately plunges into the profound emotional impact of loss, as David Aldrich grapples with the sudden death of his dear friend, Reverend Philip Morton. This theme explores the initial shock, the subsequent period of mourning, and how grief can trigger a deep re-evaluation of one's own life and relationships.
Guilt and Inadequacy
Central to David's internal conflict are his feelings of guilt and inadequacy, primarily stemming from his comparison to the revered and successful Reverend Morton. David perceives his own life as unfulfilled and lacking purpose when contrasted with Morton's impactful humanitarian efforts, leading to a deep sense of personal failure.
Societal Expectations vs. Personal Worth
The novel examines the tension between external societal definitions of success (e.g., Morton's public acclaim and humanitarian achievements) and an individual's internal sense of worth and fulfillment (David's struggle as an author). It questions whether societal validation truly equates to a meaningful life and how this impacts personal identity.

Worth discussing

How does David Aldrich's initial reaction to Reverend Morton's death set the tone for the rest of the novel?

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