The Secret Life of Bees - Characters and Themes

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Questions and Answers

Who do Lily and August see fighting in the water sprinkler, laughing like children?

Rosaleen and May

Which household pest does Lily remember her mother using marshmallows and graham crackers to get rid of?

Roaches

When Lily and Zach go into town to buy a radiator, they see a crowd of white men amassed outside _______.

the movie theater

What does Zach's friend throw at the white men, for which Zach and all his friends are arrested?

A bottle Signup and view all the answers

Who tells May that Zach has been arrested?

Zach's mother Signup and view all the answers

What strikes Lily about May using the graham crackers and marshmallows trick?

That her mom used to use it and she becomes convinced that her mother lived there before. Signup and view all the answers

Who stays with Lily after Zach gets arrested with his friends and is also the lawyer?

Clayton Forest Signup and view all the answers

What does August say Lily can be?

A true beekeeper Signup and view all the answers

What does Lily want to be when she grows up?

Either a beekeeper, writer, or English teacher Signup and view all the answers

What happened to May?

She drowned herself after hearing about what happened to Zach. Signup and view all the answers

What do the police say to Lily?

Living with black people is beneath her dignity. Signup and view all the answers

When is Zach freed from jail?

The next day after May committed suicide. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lily feel about the community?

She feels that she is very close to them and it doesn't matter that she is white. Signup and view all the answers

What do August and Lily do to the bee hive?

They drape it in black cloth so the bees can mourn symbolically. Signup and view all the answers

What does August find?

She finds May's suicide note. Signup and view all the answers

What does May's suicide note say?

It says that she wants June to marry Neil. Signup and view all the answers

How long has Lily been in Tiburon?

A month Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Lily's daily routine?

It is messed up because she is missing her activities and she notices a change in Zach and she begs him not to be angry and violent like a white racist. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lily's favorite dessert?

Coca-Cola with peanuts in it. Signup and view all the answers

What does Lily decide to do after staying in May's bed for a while?

She moves back into the honey house where she can have more privacy. Signup and view all the answers

What day do they end up having?

A Mary day. Signup and view all the answers

What do they do on Mary Day?

They bake cakes, hang lights, and pray to Our Lady of Chains during a two-day feast and festival. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when they are setting up Mary Day?

Neil comes in and asks June to marry him and she says yes immediately. Signup and view all the answers

What happens when Lily gets tired of praying and goes outside for a little?

Zach follows and kisses her and they say they will find a way to be together. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Characters and Relationships

Lily and August observe Rosaleen and May joyfully playing in water, highlighting their childlike spirit.
Zach's mother informs May about Zach's arrest, indicating a close family connection.
Clayton Forest stays with Lily post-Zach's arrest, serving as a lawyer and support system.

Plot Events

Lily reminisces about her mother's method of dealing with roaches using marshmallows and graham crackers, connecting her past to the present.
A crowd of white men gathers outside a movie theater, setting the stage for racial tension.
Zach and his friends face arrest after an escalation when a bottle is thrown at white men.
May's tragic suicide occurs after hearing of Zach’s arrest, with her actions emphasizing the emotional toll of racial injustice.

Themes

Lily's evolving identity includes aspirations to be a beekeeper, writer, or English teacher, reflecting her quest for purpose.
Despite societal divisions, Lily feels a deep connection to her community, transcending racial boundaries.
August's nurturing guidance positions Lily as potentially becoming a true beekeeper, symbolizing growth and empowerment.

Symbolism and Rituals

August and Lily cover a bee hive with black cloth to allow the bees to mourn May's loss, portraying respect for grief.
May's suicide note, revealing her desire for June to marry Neil, underscores the theme of love and emotional bonds within the community.

Daily Life and Changes

A month has passed since Lily arrived in Tiburon, during which her daily routine experiences disruptions due to personal losses and community tension.
Lily's favorite treat, Coca-Cola with peanuts, illustrates her penchant for simple pleasures amid chaos.
Post-May's death, Lily seeks solace by moving back to the honey house, illustrating her need for privacy and reflection.

Celebrations and Community

The community comes together for Mary Day, characterized by baking, decorating, and prayer, reinforcing communal ties.
Neil proposes to June during the Mary Day setup, emphasizing themes of love and commitment within the community.
A moment of intimacy between Lily and Zach captures their hope for a future together amidst societal challenges.

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Description

Explore the intricate relationships and emotional journeys of characters in 'The Secret Life of Bees'. This quiz delves into key plot events, significant themes, and character development, particularly focusing on Lily, May, and Zach. Test your understanding of how these elements intertwine to reflect on identity and social issues.