The Unwilling Vestal
In ancient Rome, a young woman named Aurelia is chosen to be a Vestal Virgin, a priestess of Vesta, goddess of the hearth and home. She is forced into this role by her uncle, who seeks to gain power and prestige through her position. Aurelia is unhappy with her fate and struggles against the strict rules and traditions of the Vestals. Meanwhile, she falls in love with a young man named Lucius, but their social differences and the restrictions of her priestesshood make their love impossible.
By Edward Lucas White · First published 1935 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama · 23 chapters · 100,554 words
First lines
"Brinnaria! " he said severely, "you will marry any man I designate."
"I never shall marry any man," she retorted positively, "except the man I want to marry."
What this Textopian page supports
The Unwilling Vestal is listed on Textopian as a novel by Edward Lucas White, dated 1935 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: Edward Lucas White
- Date: 1935 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Romance, Drama, Adventure, Classical Literature
- Length: 100,554 words
- Structure: 23 chapters, 1,915 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Difficult (College Level)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Unwilling Vestal by Edward Lucas White
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Unwilling Vestal?
- How does this novel by Edward Lucas White fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
- The Song Of The Woods by Egerton Castle
- Beatrice by H. Rider Haggard
- A Tale Of Three Lions by H. Rider Haggard
- The Charcoal Man And The King by James Baldwin
- Swallow by H. Rider Haggard
- The Witch Doctor Seeks Vengeance by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Genres
- Historical Fiction — Set in ancient Rome with detailed historical context and events.
- Romance — Central love story between the main characters.
- Drama — Emotional and interpersonal conflicts drive the narrative.
- Adventure — Characters face various challenges and quests.
Tags
Ancient Rome · Historical Fiction · Fantasy · Mythology · Religion · Vestal Virgins · Paganism · Roman Empire · Cult · Rituals · Supernatural · Mystery
Contents
- CHAPTER I - PRECOCITY
- SIEVES
- STUTTERING
- PESTILENCE
- ESCAPADES
- NOTORIETY
- AUDIENCE
- SCOURGING
- ALARMS
- CONFERENCE
- FAREWELL
- OBSERVANCES
- PERVERSITY
- AMAZEMENT
- REHABILITATION
- VAGARY
- RECKLESSNESS
- FURY
- COMFORT
- ACCUSATION
- ORDEAL
- TRIUMPH
- SALVAGE