The Secret Life of Bees Chapter 1

Questions and Answers

What does the narrator (Lily) seem to long for at the very start of the novel?

Her mother

What year did the bees come?

1964

Who is Rosaleen?

Nanny/Maid

Who is T Ray?

Lily's father Signup and view all the answers

How old was Lily when her mother died?

4 years old Signup and view all the answers

How did Lily's mother die?

Lily shot her Signup and view all the answers

Describe the setting of the story.

Sylvan and Tiburon, South Carolina Signup and view all the answers

What did Lily hope to get from charm school and what really happened?

Lily wanted to learn about manners and how to dress, but was barred due to lack of family. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between Lily and Rosaleen.

Lily's nanny and first friend, growing to where Rosaleen acts as a stand-in mother. Signup and view all the answers

What items did Lily find in the attic?

A picture of Deborah, a wooden picture of a black Mary, and a pair of white gloves. Signup and view all the answers

What dreams did Lily have for her future, and who influenced these dreams?

She dreamed of being a professor and a writer, influenced by her teacher Mrs. Henry. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Rosaleen go into town on the 4th of July?

She wanted to register to vote. Signup and view all the answers

What did Rosaleen take from the church?

Two paper fans Signup and view all the answers

Why did Rosaleen get arrested?

She was arrested for assault, theft, and disturbing the peace. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lily's Longing and Background

Lily longs for her mother, indicating a deep emotional void in her life.
The narrative begins in 1964, the year significant to the arrival of bees, symbolizing change and transition.

Key Characters

Rosaleen serves as Lily's nanny and first friend, gradually taking on a maternal role in her life.
T Ray is introduced as Lily’s father, representing authority and conflict in her childhood.

Lily's Childhood Trauma

Lily was only 4 years old when her mother died, a pivotal event that deeply affects her.
The circumstances of her mother's death are tragic; Lily accidentally shot her, creating a sense of guilt that haunts her.

Setting and Environment

The story is set in Sylvan and Tiburon, South Carolina, providing a Southern backdrop to the narrative filled with cultural nuances.

Aspirations and Challenges

Lily hoped to gain social skills and self-esteem through charm school but was barred from attendance due to her lack of a maternal figure to present her with a rose.
Her dreams of being a professor and a writer are influenced by her teacher, Mrs. Henry, showcasing the impact of education on her aspirations.

Independence and Agency

Rosaleen's journey to register to vote on the 4th of July signifies her desire for independence and agency in a racially charged society.
The bold act of taking two paper fans from the church highlights Rosaleen’s defiance of social norms.

Conflict and Consequence

Rosaleen faces arrest for assault, theft, and disturbing the peace, stemming from an altercation where she poured snuff juice on three white men’s shoes, exemplifying the racial tensions of the time.

Description

Test your knowledge of the key aspects of Chapter 1 from 'The Secret Life of Bees'. This set of flashcards will help you recall important characters and events that shape the beginning of Lily's journey. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of the novel's themes and characters.