To Have vs. To Hold

Attribute	To Have	To Hold
Meaning	Ownership or possession	Keep or maintain
Usage	Commonly used in legal contexts	Commonly used in emotional contexts
Emphasis	Focus on possession	Focus on maintaining or cherishing
Relationship	Can refer to physical objects or abstract concepts	Often used in the context of relationships or emotions

Plot

Both To Have and To Hold are novels that revolve around the theme of love and relationships. To Have, written by Mary Johnston, is set in colonial Virginia and follows the story of a young woman named Barbara who falls in love with a sea captain. The novel explores the challenges they face as a couple due to societal expectations and external pressures. To Hold, on the other hand, written by Jane Green, is a contemporary romance novel that follows the lives of three women who are dealing with their own relationship issues. The plot of To Hold is more modern and focuses on the complexities of love in the 21st century.

Character Development

In To Have, the characters are more traditional and adhere to the societal norms of the time period. Barbara is portrayed as a strong-willed woman who defies expectations to be with the man she loves. The sea captain is depicted as a brave and honorable figure who is willing to fight for their love. In contrast, the characters in To Hold are more diverse and complex. Each woman has her own struggles and flaws, making them more relatable to modern readers. The character development in To Hold is more nuanced and explores the inner thoughts and emotions of the protagonists.

Themes

Both novels explore themes of love, sacrifice, and perseverance. To Have delves into the idea of true love conquering all obstacles, even in the face of societal norms and expectations. The novel highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and following one's heart. To Hold, on the other hand, focuses on the challenges of modern relationships and the complexities of love in the digital age. The novel examines themes of infidelity, forgiveness, and self-discovery, making it more relevant to contemporary readers.

Writing Style

The writing style of To Have is more formal and reflective of the time period in which it is set. Mary Johnston's prose is elegant and descriptive, painting a vivid picture of colonial Virginia. The language used in the novel is rich and evocative, transporting readers to a different era. In contrast, Jane Green's writing style in To Hold is more casual and conversational. The dialogue is modern and witty, reflecting the tone of contemporary romance novels. The writing in To Hold is more accessible and easy to read, making it appealing to a wider audience.

Reception

Both To Have and To Hold have received positive reviews from readers and critics alike. To Have is praised for its historical accuracy and compelling storyline. Readers appreciate the strong female protagonist and the timeless themes of love and courage. To Hold, on the other hand, is lauded for its relatable characters and contemporary take on romance. Critics have praised the novel for its realistic portrayal of modern relationships and the emotional depth of the characters. Overall, both novels have been well-received and have found a place in the hearts of readers.