Flowers and the Characters of Pride and Prejudice

A while back, I was looking at flowers that are found in Britain and was intrigued with some of the names. Then I got to thinking how some of them could apply and give a very short description of a Pride and Prejudice character. And I had to laugh when I realized how fitting several of them were.

I loved Tiffany Thomas’ post concerning which birds would identify Jane Austen’s characters from Pride and Prejudice.  Some provoked smiles and others clear laughter at how appropriate they were.  

As to the flowers, here is what I came up with, and I hope you have as much fun as I had with this list.

Please note that I was not able to get all the pictures I wanted to use, but you can go to https://www.wildflowershop.co.uk/Calendar/calendar.htm and see the ones I could not include because of copyrights. ENJOY!

Elizabeth Bennet – Prickly Poppy is rather appropriate for one of our favorite heroines. When I think of Elizabeth, I think of intelligence, sense of adventure, very opinionated, and more than a little prickly at times. She’s a gal after my own heart.

Mr. Darcy – Lesser Londonpride, Man Orchid – Love Fitzwilliam Darcy, but I didn’t think it appropriate to dub him the Naked Man Orchid, but that was the only one DepositPhotos had. 🙂 Believe it or not, that is the name AND the look of that particular flower. Go see for yourself. The name is perfect.

Sigh! I just found out that the Man Orchid and the Naked Man Orchid are one and the same. So much for modesty!

Colonel Fitzwilliam – Horse Chestnut – A rather fitting flower for our cavalryman. It’s tough, strong and name appropriate as well. He is a favorite of mine also.

Mr. Bennet – Lizard Orchid – The only difference between Lizzy’s father and a lizard is that he languishes indoors in the shade and a lizard might prefer the sun. Would like to pinch him into action on occasion except that it might not do any good. He’s too set in his ways. Mrs. Bennet – Large Snapdragon – Now this lady is rather larger than life, much to many of Meryton’s populace’ chagrin, when she takes her spleen out on Elizabeth instead of Lydia. Ah well, she learns her lesson in the end…or does she?

Mary Bennet – Perennial Honesty – Mary has a tendency to tell it like it is….according to Fordyce. Sometimes it is just her opinion, but occasionally she hits the nail right on the head. Unfortunately, most would still not like to hear it. Oh, well!

Jane Bennet – Yellow Archangel, Yellow Lady’s Slipper – No, there are no Yellow Angel flowers. Research in the Bible indicates all archangels are referred to by male names, however, if there were female archangels, Jane might be considered one. It is not hard to understand why Elizabeth considers Jane special. Jane shows more of a loving spirit and courtesy to all more than any of the Bennet family. She is also inclined toward acting more ladylike as well.

Lydia Bennet – Cuckoo Flower – I think of all the Bennet’s, I really dislike Lydia because she is so selfish, so self-centered, so oriented to what she wants, and is the least interested of any one else’s welfare. I hate that type of attitude as it hurts way too many people.

Kitty Bennet – Forget-me-not – Poor Kitty is overlooked by most people, is foolishly following Lydia because she is still in the young and stupid years, and neglected by her parents which I think is almost criminal. She just needs someone to love and care for her.

Charles Bingley – Eyebright, Scarlet Pimpernel – He is a young man that I can picture as being bright-eyed and bushy tailed, excited about life and a boost for Darcy if Darcy will let him. Unfortunately, Bingley is also led around by the nose by his youngest sister. Thankfully, he eventually takes a stand and puts a stop to his sister’s machinations. No, he doesn’t save any lives like the Pimpernel, but he at least starts living his own life without Caroline’s directions.

Caroline Bingley – Early Spider Orchid, Purple Viper’s Bugloss, Black Spider Orchid, Narcissus dubius – Personally, Caroline reminds me of a spider laying in wait. Viper is also appropriate as she also reminds me of a snake. If you describe something as dubious, you mean that you do not consider it to be completely honest, safe, or reliable. In other words, we ought never to trust what Caroline says or does that seems okay.

Louisa Hurst – Common Cornsalad, Creeping Buttercup – And then there is Louisa Hurst living in her younger sister’s shadow and under her thumb. One can only hope that she, like Bingley, eventually throws off the shackles of her younger sister and works with her husband to establish a happy and strong family life.

Mr. Hurst – Dogwood – Not sure why I picked this one. Maybe I did because I can picture him asleep on the floor after stuffing his face and drinking too much. We can always hope he develops a backbone in the future and tells his sister-in-law to go fly a kite. Maybe not.

George Wickham – Bastard Balm, Stinking Hellebore, Devil’s Claws – I had a hard time choosing between these three as I despise individuals who treat others as he did. As far as I am concerned, all three apply and even Caroline’s list is fitting as well. Too bad the flowers are rather pretty. Wickham’s looks would always be abhorrent to me. https://dancingoaks.com/products/melittis_melissophyllum

Georgiana Darcy – Sweet Violet – Another reason I dislike Wickham is what he did to Georgiana. Taking advantage of a child raises my hackles and makes me see red.

Lady Catherine de Bourg – Long-lipped Tongue – And then there is Lady Catherine. No lady as far as I am concerned. Talk about a blow-hard. No, let’s not. She’s not as wicked as Wickham or Caroline. Noooooo! Then again, maybe she is, depending on her goals and how she is to attain them. Time will tell.

Mister Collins – Jack-in-the-pulpit – This has to be my favorite of the bunch. Love the name and love the look of this flower. It fits to a T.

I hope you have enjoyed this little jaunt through Pride and Prejudice and England’s native wildlife. Please let me know your thoughts below. 🙂