.zodiac

Gardner has used the twelve signs of the zodiac as a structural device or motif within the novel. Each of the twelve chapters contains some significant reference to the numerically corresponding sign. Aries (Ram): March 21-April 19 Taurus (Bull): April 20-May 20 Gemini (Twins): May 21-June 21 Cancer (Crab): June 22-July 22 Leo (Lion): July 23-Aug. 22 Virgo (Virgin): Aug. 23-Sept. 22 Libra (Balance): Sept. 23-Oct. 23 Scorpius (Scorpion): Oct. 24-Nov. 21 Sagittarius (Archer): Nov. 22-Dec. 21 Capricornus (Goat): Dec. 22-Jan. 19 Aquarius (Water Bearer): Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Pisces (Fish): Feb. 19-March 20 I am grateful to Linda Lorenzo for this insight...and to Tom Fasano for posting the essay which discusses this structure - Craig J. Stromme, "The Twelve Chapters of Grendel," Critique 20 (1978: 83-92). see zodiac at Columbia Encyclopedia