Secret Life of Bees - Ch. 9 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What is the result of Lily and June's fighting over the water sprinkler?

They both end up laughing, and June hugs Lily.

What does Lily say about people having steel plates in their heads?

"Every human being on the face of the earth has a steel plate in his head, but if you lie down now and then and get still as you can, it will slide open like elevator doors, letting in all the secret thoughts that have been standing around so patiently, pushing a button for a ride to the top. The real troubles in life happen when those hidden doors stay closed for too long."

What does Lily discover May doing that made her have a strange, thick feeling inside and made her feel trembly?

May works at luring roaches out of the house with graham cracker and marshmallow crumbs, just like Lily's mother did.

What critical piece of information does May tell Lily?

May tells Lily that Deborah Fontanel stayed out in the honey house and was 'the sweetest thing.' Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Zach and Lily ride to town to get a new radiator hose?

Some of Zach's friends get into an incident with white men outside the movie theater, one throws a bottle, and they are all arrested. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to May when she finds out about Zach's being arrested?

At first she seems fine, then she goes into a kind of trance, and then she comes back but isn't at all her usual self. She insists on going to the wall by herself. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lily and June's Water Sprinkler Incident

Lily and June argue over a water sprinkler, leading to laughter and a hug, showcasing their bond.

Steel Plates Metaphor

Lily describes everyone as having "steel plates" in their heads, which, when still and reflective, reveal hidden thoughts.
The metaphor highlights how unresolved issues arise when people avoid confronting internal struggles.

May's Behavior

Lily discovers May trying to attract roaches with graham cracker and marshmallow crumbs, reminiscent of Lily's mother's past actions.
This revelation creates an emotional response in Lily, feeling a deep connection to her mother.

Deborah Fontanel's Legacy

May shares with Lily that her mother, Deborah Fontanel, spent time in the honey house and was referred to as "the sweetest thing."
This information deepens Lily's understanding of her mother’s character and importance.

Incident In Town

During a trip to acquire a new radiator hose, Zach and Lily's outing results in a confrontation between Zach's friends and white men outside a movie theater.
The conflict escalates when one of Zach's friends throws a bottle, leading to physical assault and subsequent arrests for the group, highlighting racial tensions.

May's Response to Arrest

May initially appears unaffected by Zach's arrest but soon falls into a trance-like state, indicating emotional distress.
Her decision to visit "the wall" alone signifies a retreat into her own coping mechanisms, emphasizing her sensitivity to surrounding events.

Description

Test your knowledge of Chapter 9 from 'The Secret Life of Bees' with these flashcards. Focus on key events and quotes that illustrate the relationships and themes within the chapter. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of the book.