Pompeii: A Novel

Ampliatus is a former slave turned powerful and wealthy man. What does his origins and rise to success say about social hierarchies in Rome, and Roman society more generally?

Many of the characters in Pompeii reference the idea of Roman identity. What are the features of this Roman identity? In what ways do the characters succeed or fail in living up to it?

Mount Vesuvius destroys Pompeii and many of the surrounding towns. How does the volcano function as a symbol in the novel? How does its presence change over the course of the narrative?

In what ways does the novel use religion and fate to imply that the destruction of Pompeii is inevitable?

The aqueducts allow cities to flourish despite the lack of available fresh water in the region. How do the aqueducts function in the novel as a setting or symbol? What ties do different characters have with the aqueducts, and how do these ties aid in characterization?

Explore the idea of class tensions in the novel. How do the relationships between slaves and the free citizens, or slaves and their owners, illustrate power dynamics in the novel?

Corelia is a strong, independent young woman who defies her criminal father. In what ways does she reject social expectations placed upon her? In what ways does she succumb to them?

Consider the character of Pliny. What role does he play in the novel? What is the significance of his scholarship and/or death?