Secret Life of Bees Chapter 1 Quiz

Questions and Answers

Who is the narrator of the story?

Lily Owens, a 14-year old girl

On page 2, what allusion does Lily make about the bees in her room?

She alludes to the story of the Virgin Mary, the mother of Jesus, being visited by the angel Gabriel and compares the bees to the visitation.

What does Lily's statement about the bees stinging her until she died tell us about her?

Lily is very unhappy.

What does Lily want to tell her mother in paradise?

She wants to ask her mom to forgive her, and that her mom would tell her she was not to blame for ten thousand years. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lily's mom die?

Lily implies that she accidentally shot her mother with the gun she picked up. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lily smell all the perfumes in the local store?

She remembers the scent of her mother and wants to find it. Signup and view all the answers

How do we know that Lily is self-conscious?

Lily picks at her scabs, worries about how she looks, and wonders why the other girls whisper about her. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lily's teacher tell her when she says she wants to go to beauty school?

Her teacher tells her that she is too intelligent for beauty school and should be a professor or writer. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Rosaleen stands up to T.Ray about the chick?

T.Ray gives up the fight with Rosaleen. Signup and view all the answers

Why does T.Ray tell Lily about her mother?

He says he wants Lily to hear about her mother from him before she starts school. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lily think has happened when she sees that Rosaleen has stayed late to watch TV?

She thinks a bomb may have been dropped. Signup and view all the answers

What actually claimed Rosaleen's attention on the TV?

President Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Rosaleen take Lily to town?

Rosaleen plans to register to vote. Signup and view all the answers

How does T.Ray punish Lily after he finds her in the peach orchard?

T.Ray makes her kneel on Martha White grits. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lily do to prove to T.Ray that there are bees behind the wall in her room?

She captures a jar of bees to show him. Signup and view all the answers

When is Lily's birthday?

The fourth of July. Signup and view all the answers

What does Rosaleen steal from the church?

She steals paper fans because she and Lily are hot. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Lily say Rosaleen has 'less sense than I'd dreamed of'?

Because Rosaleen tells the hostile men that she is going to register to vote. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lily Owens and Her Life

Lily Owens, a 14-year-old girl, serves as the narrator of the story.
Lily alludes to the Virgin Mary when discussing the bees in her room, suggesting their presence foreshadows important events.
Lily expresses deep unhappiness, believing that being stung by bees would not be the worst outcome for her.

Lily's Relationship with Her Mother

In a hopeful vision for paradise, Lily longs to ask her deceased mother for forgiveness, wishing for her mother to reassure her that she is not to blame for her death.
Lily implies her mother died from an accidental gunshot wound caused by herself while handling a gun.

Seeking Connection to the Past

Lily frequents a local store to smell perfumes, searching for a scent that reminds her of her mother.

Lily’s Self-Perception

She exhibits self-conscious behavior, such as picking at her scabs and worrying about her appearance, indicating she struggles with her identity since she grew up without her mother.
When expressing a desire to attend beauty school, her teacher highlights Lily's intelligence, suggesting she should pursue a more ambitious career, such as becoming a professor or writer.

Relationships and Conflicts

T. Ray, Lily's father, shows his authority over her, especially in interactions regarding Rosaleen, who stands up to him, symbolizing Lily's struggles for autonomy.
T. Ray chooses to tell Lily about her mother himself, emphasizing a desire to control the narrative surrounding her past.

Key Events and Historical Context

Lily links Rosaleen's late-night TV watching to fears of nuclear fallout during the Cold War, fear indicative of the era.
The actual focus of Rosaleen's attention is President Johnson signing the Civil Rights Act, highlighting the socio-political climate of the time.

Actions and Consequences

Rosaleen's decision to take Lily to town is linked to her plan to register to vote, showcasing her commitment to civil rights.
T. Ray punishes Lily by making her kneel on grits, reflecting his harsh parenting style after discovering her in the peach orchard.
To prove the presence of bees in her room, Lily captures a jar of them, asserting her thoughts against T. Ray's disbelief.

Significant Personal Details

Lily's birthday falls on the Fourth of July, a day symbolizing freedom and independence.
Rosaleen steals paper fans from the church to cope with the heat, demonstrating her defiance and resourcefulness.
Lily reflects on Rosaleen's actions, questioning her sense when Rosaleen boldly states her intention to register to vote in front of hostile men.

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Description

Test your understanding of Chapter 1 of 'The Secret Life of Bees.' This quiz focuses on key characters and important allusions made by the narrator, Lily Owens. Answer questions about her experiences and thoughts as the story unfolds.