Pilate's Wife by George MacDonald
Pilate's Wife is a novel by George MacDonald that explores the life of Pontius Pilate and his wife during the time of Jesus Christ. The story follows their struggles with faith, love, and power as they navigate the political landscape of ancient Rome. Throughout the book, MacDonald weaves themes of redemption, forgiveness, and spiritual growth into a compelling narrative that challenges readers to consider their own beliefs and values.
By George MacDonald · First published 1865 · Genre: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Poetry · 212 words
First lines
Why came in dreams the low-born man Between thee and thy rest? In vain thy whispered message ran, Though justice was its quest!
Did some young ignorant angel dare -- Not knowing what must be, Or blind with agony of care -- To fly for help to thee?
I know not. Rather I believe, Thou, nobler than thy spouse, His rumoured grandeur didst receive, And sit with pondering brows,
Until thy maidens' gathered tale With possible marvel teems: Thou sleepest, and the prisoner pale Returneth in thy dreams.
What this Textopian page supports
Pilate's Wife is listed on Textopian as a poem by George MacDonald, dated 1865 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: George MacDonald
- Date: 1865 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Historical Fiction, Religious Fiction, Poetry, Drama, Philosophical Fiction
- Length: 212 words
- Structure: 1 section, 6 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Pilate's Wife by George MacDonald
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Pilate's Wife?
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- Where does Historical Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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- Mary Magdalen by Edgar Saltus
- Ave by Francis Sherman
- The Woman In The Temple by George Macdonald
- John Agreed As To The Trial And Crucifixion by George Bernard Shaw
- Gallicanus by Roswitha Of Gandersheim
Genres
- Historical Fiction — The narrative is set in a historical context, focusing on characters and events from ancient times.
- Religious Fiction — The themes and characters are deeply intertwined with religious history and figures.
- Poetry — The writing style includes poetic elements, such as verse and rhythm.
- Drama — The plot involves intense emotional and moral conflicts, typical of dramatic literature.
Tags
historical fiction · biblical · women's perspective · ancient Rome · Pilate · Christianity · faith · suffering · redemption · sacrifice · moral dilemmas · cultural conflict