Under a Painted Sky

The Chinese Zodiac is the most commonly repeated motif in the novel. It is the lens through which Samantha understands her own behavior and that of other characters. The system is based on the Chinese calendar year and connected to animals rather than constellations. In addition to explaining or predicting behavior, Samantha uses zodiac signs to predict the success of friendships and romantic relationships. This motif hence underpins the structure of the novel itself, which follows the arc of these relationships.

From the start of the novel, Samantha identifies herself through the use of a metaphor, calling herself a “Snake.” While each animal has strengths and weaknesses, for much of the novel, Samantha only focuses on her weaknesses and how she can overcome them. This includes “crying easily and needing to have the last word” (7). It also explains to her why horses do not like her. Annamae, when told that she is a Dragon, prefers to concentrate on the strengths instead, telling Samantha, “Move on to the good stuff,” after hearing only a few negative qualities of her animal sign (70). West is not thrilled to hear that he is a Rabbit, which he sees as a feminine animal.