The Virgin and the Gipsy

‘The Virgin and the Gipsy’ was published after Lawrence’s death in 1930. It tells the story of two sisters (perhaps based on Frieda Lawrence’s daughters) who live in a stultifying rectory with their dreadful grandmother , weak father and frustrated aunt. The girls are torn between the need to lead a ‘respectable’ life and the need to fulfil themselves both socially and sexually. The older sister finally breaks free when a flood forces her into the arms of a sensual Gipsy.