Secret Life of Bees Chapter 4-5 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

How does the black Madonna make Lily feel?

She is in shame but is happy at the same time.

What is Lily's reply when August says, 'Who've we got here?' and how does August respond?

Lily introduces herself and Rosaleen tells one of the kids that they have run away from home and have nowhere to go. The kid said they could stay there until they find out a place to go.

What does August say that electrifies Lily when she tells August they are headed to Virginia?

August says she is from Virginia too.

What first lets Lily know she has some prejudice buried inside herself?

August is so intelligent and so cultured. Signup and view all the answers

What is odd about the stone wall Lily comes upon in the woods?

It has tiny pieces of folded-up paper with writing on them stuck between the stones. Signup and view all the answers

What does May do when an unpleasant topic is brought up? What is the only thing that seems to help her get over it?

She starts to sing and also goes to the wall to put paper between the stones. Signup and view all the answers

How do June and August feel about Lily and Rosaleen?

June doesn't want them staying and wants them to leave right away. August wants to help them and be patient. Signup and view all the answers

For what special help did Lily pray to Mary?

She asked her to draw a curtain around the pink house so no one would ever find them. Signup and view all the answers

Name the rules for 'bee yard etiquette.'

Don't be afraid. Don't be an idiot. Don't swat. If you feel angry, whistle. Act like you know what you're doing, even if you don't. Send the bees love. Signup and view all the answers

What does August say about how May is special?

It is like protection but at the same time overwhelming. Signup and view all the answers

Who was April, and what happened to her?

She was May's twin sister and became depressed, killing herself at the age of 15. Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'wailing wall'?

It is a wall in Jerusalem where Jewish people go to say their daily prayers, writing messages on scraps of paper and tucking them into the wall. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lily do at the wailing wall?

She puts her mother's name on a sheet of paper and tucks it into the wall. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lily's Emotions and Encounters

Lily feels a mix of shame and happiness when she first sees the black Madonna at the Boatwrights' house.
Upon arrival, Lily introduces herself, revealing to August and the children that she and Rosaleen have run away from home. A child offers them a place to stay temporarily.

Connection to Virginia

Lily shares with August that she is heading to Virginia to find her aunt. August’s response that she is also from Virginia electrifies Lily, creating a moment of connection.

Prejudice Realization

Lily realizes her buried prejudice upon noticing August's intelligence and cultured demeanor, indicating her initial biases against Black individuals.

The Stone Wall Discovery

Lily discovers an odd stone wall in the woods adorned with small pieces of folded paper featuring writing, suggesting a place of note or importance.

May's Coping Mechanism

May copes with unpleasant topics by singing and interacting with the wall, where she places notes between the stones, allowing her to overcome distress.

Mixed Feelings About Guests

June expresses discomfort with Lily and Rosaleen staying at their home, wanting them to leave, while August displays patience and a willingness to understand their situation.

Prayer to Mary

Lily prays daily to Mary, seeking protection by asking her to create a barrier around the pink house to ensure they would not be found.

Bee Yard Etiquette

"Bee yard etiquette" includes:
- Don't be afraid
- Don't swat or act foolishly
- Whistle if angry
- Maintain an air of confidence, even if uncertain
- Send love to the bees

May's Special Nature

August describes May as special, suggesting that her unique qualities offer protection while also being a burden.

April's Tragic Fate

April, May's twin sister, suffered from depression and tragically took her own life at the age of 15.

The Wailing Wall

The "wailing wall" refers to a sacred site in Jerusalem where Jewish people place written prayers in the wall's cracks to communicate with God.

Personal Connection to the Wailing Wall

Lily participates in the ritual at the wailing wall by writing her mother's name on a piece of paper and tucking it into the wall, symbolizing her longing and grief.

Description

Test your understanding of key moments in Chapters 4 and 5 of 'The Secret Life of Bees'. This flashcard quiz delves into Lily's emotions and interactions upon her arrival at the Boatwrights' home. Perfect for reinforcing key themes and character relationships from these chapters.