I’m not an astrology expert, but I thought it’d be fun to match the P & P characters to their zodiac signs! Check out my ideas below, and let me know what matches you would have made.
Lady Catherine is an ARIES. She is bold and ambitious, and she likes to be number one. (“I must have my share in the conversation!”) She values honesty and forthrightness—which is why Elizabeth’s evasive answers frustrate her. She is also smart and loyal—and this loyalty is evident in her constant concern for Anne’s welfare.
Caroline Bingley is a TAURUS. Taurus people like nice things—and Caroline enjoys her big house and pretty clothes. People born under this sign are also good at making money (for a woman in Austen’s time, this means an advantageous marriage). They also pick a goal and follow it to completion. Caroline doesn’t lead Darcy to the altar in the end, but she stays committed to her plan despite those pesky “fine eyes!”
Lydia is a GEMINI. She is spontaneous, playful, and erratic. (“Look here, I have bought this bonnet. I do not think it is very pretty; but I thought I might as well buy it as not.”) She is sociable and fun, consumed by the gaiety of a ball or card game, and she’s insatiably curious, always looking for new adventures. Geminis feel like they are missing their other half, and this drives them to seek new friends and people to engage with—and maybe that’s what leads Lydia off on her ill-fated adventure to Brighton.
Jane is a CANCER. She is intuitive and sentimental, and she is happiest when surrounded by her family. (“To know that what I have to relate will give such pleasure to all my dear family! how shall I bear so much happiness?”) She avoids confrontation and conflict, often acting as the peacemaker in her family. Cancer is one of the hardest signs to get to know, and perhaps this is why Bingley has so much trouble understanding Jane’s feelings that he packs up and leaves Netherfield.
Mr. Wickham is a LEO. He’s a fire sign, the king of the jungle! He is confident, attractive, and loves the spotlight. When Leos become too focused on their own personal gain, they can hurt those around them. (Well, that checks out.) Further, if they become too attached to their image and achievements, they become vulnerable and can easily be outmaneuvered. (By Darcy and Lydia, maybe?)
Mary is a VIRGO. She’s logical and practical. She believes in self-improvement through consistent practice—daily reading, for instance, and reciting her wisdom and applying it to her life. Virgos are known for their attention to detail and methodical approach to life, and Mary is methodical! (“I admire the activity of your benevolence…but every impulse of feeling should be guided by reason; and, in my opinion, exertion should always be in proportion to what is required.”) Virgos are also often misunderstood…and it does not seem like any of the Bennets understand poor Mary.
Colonel Fitzwilliam is a LIBRA. Libras are represented by the scales because they are interested in justice and fairness. When Elizabeth criticizes Mr. Darcy, the colonel often points out the injustice of her accusations—such as when she accuses Mr. Darcy of liking to have his own way. (“But so we all do. It is only that he has better means of having it than many others, because he is rich, and many others are poor.”) He is inspired by good books and good conversation (That’s Elizabeth!) but also likes expensive material possessions (That’s not Elizabeth).
Mr. Darcy is a SCORPIO. He is assertive (especially with Bingley!), determined, and wise. Scorpios will research to find the truth behind issues they consider important, and they are brave and resourceful when faced with challenges. Mr. Darcy illustrates this when he tracks Wickham’s whereabouts and drags him to the altar. Scorpios are also mysterious and are considered the most misunderstood sign—and Elizabeth and all of Meryton misunderstand him for a good portion of the book. (“His character was decided. He was the proudest, most disagreeable man in the world, and everybody hoped that he would never come there again.”)
Elizabeth is a SAGITTAURIUS. She has a playful sense of humor, a driving curiosity about the world, and an adventurous spirit. (“She had a lively, playful disposition, which delighted in anything ridiculous.”) People born under this sign also have a strong moral compass that sometimes causes them to be overly honest and tactless—such as when Elizabeth’s sense of morality prompts her to tell Mr. Darcy he is the last man she’d ever marry. Sagittarius people are often engaged in some kind of internal mental work but are also good at turning these thoughts into actions—and Elizabeth illustrates this with her introspective thoughts on Darcy’s letter which then translate into her reformed opinion of him.
Charlotte is a CAPRICORN. She is practical and responsible, as evidenced by choosing her marriage partner for the comfortable home he can provide her. She is serious and traditional—determined to please her family and not become a burden. She also has an inner sense of independence—Elizabeth tells us Charlotte finds happiness in her home with Mr. Collins by often forgetting he exists! Capricorns are also good at managing people. (“To work in his garden was one of his most respectable pleasures; and Elizabeth admired the command of countenance with which Charlotte talked of the healthfulness of the exercise, and owned she encouraged it as much as possible.”) Well done, Capricorn Charlotte.
Mr. Bingley is an AQUARIUS. He is spontaneous and strives to live life to the fullest. Without mental stimulation, Aquarius people become bored by things that at first excited them. (“Whatever I do is done in a hurry…and therefore if I should resolve to quit Netherfield, I should probably be off in five minutes.”) Mr. Bingley is energetic and idealistic and has the special ability to see people without prejudice (like his friend Darcy). Aquarius people also rely on spoken words to guide them. Yikes. Maybe that’s why Jane’s subtle hints at her feelings didn’t penetrate.
Mrs. Gardiner is a PISCES. She’s intuitive, understanding Elizabeth’s feelings better than Elizabeth! Pisces’s attention is constantly divided between fantasy and reality, and we see this with Mrs. Gardiner, too—when she imagines more intimacy between Darcy and Elizabeth than what actually exists. (“You supposed more than really existed. But now suppose as much as you choose; give a loose to your fancy, indulge your imagination in every possible flight which the subject will afford.”) Pisces individuals also sometimes do too much for others…and Austen did call her a “gardener” for a reason!
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Whew! That took more thinking than I thought it would. Your turn! What sign do you think the characters are? Oooh, or which sign are you, and which character do you match up with?
I’m a Cancer, which is Jane. That feels a little like putting the Sorting Hat on my head and getting Hufflepuff…when I was gunning for Gryffindor. (Sorry, Jane.) (And Hufflepuff.)
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