The Secret Life of Bees: Characters and Themes

Questions and Answers

Why did Lily jump every time she heard a siren?

She was always waiting for T.Ray or She Gaston to come get her.

Who is Zach?

Zach is August's godson. He helps August with her honey business. Lily develops a crush on him.

What kind of girl does Lily look like, according to Zach?

The kind of girl who would wreck something for sure.

Why did August like to keep a little pollen in her honey?

Because it's good for people. Signup and view all the answers

Why was lunch Lily's favorite meal of the day?

Because she and Zach ate together under the pine trees. Signup and view all the answers

What did Lily hope to be when she grew up?

A writer and English teacher. Signup and view all the answers

What does Zach want to be when he grows up?

A lawyer. Signup and view all the answers

According to Rosaleen, what's wrong with living in a dream world?

You have to wake up. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mr. Clayton Forest?

A lawyer who sells August's honey and candles from his office. He also helps Zach in the later chapters when he's arrested. Signup and view all the answers

What makes honey purple?

When the flowers dry up, the bees suck elderberry. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Willifred Marchant?

A writer from Tiburon who wrote three books on the deciduous trees of South Carolina. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Lily start crying in the car with Zach?

Because she liked him and knew they couldn't be together because of their skin color. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Rosaleen move into May's room?

Because May gets scared by herself at night. Signup and view all the answers

How does 'Jane Eyre' relate to Lily?

It's about a girl who lost her mother. Signup and view all the answers

What do June and Neil fight about?

Getting married. Signup and view all the answers

What gift did Zach bring Lily?

A green notebook so she could start becoming a writer. Signup and view all the answers

What did Lily write stories about?

August driving a honeymobile, Rosaleen becoming unrecognizable to the police, Zach becoming a lawyer and getting his own television show. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lily's Emotional State

Lily jumps at sirens due to fear of T.Ray or She Gaston finding her.
She experiences anxiety linked to her past and potential threats.

Zach's Role and Relationship with Lily

Zach is August's godson who aids in her honey business.
Lily develops a romantic interest in Zach, complicating her feelings.

Perceptions and Aspirations

Zach perceives Lily as someone who might cause trouble.
Lily aspires to be a writer and English teacher, indicating her creative ambitions.
Zach dreams of becoming a lawyer, showcasing his dedication to justice.

August's Wisdom

August keeps pollen in honey for its health benefits.
She embodies wisdom and nurturing as a maternal figure for Lily.

Special Moments

Lunch is Lily's favorite time as she shares it with Zach under the pine trees, reflecting their growing bond.
Lily’s emotional struggle is highlighted when she cries about their relationship being hindered by racial differences.

Character Connections

Mr. Clayton Forest is a lawyer who supports August by selling her honey and aiding Zach later during legal troubles.
Willifred Marchant is a notable writer from Tiburon, emphasizing the literary connections in the narrative.

Themes of Reality and Dreams

Rosaleen cautions against living in a dream world, suggesting the necessity of facing harsh realities.
Lily’s attachment to "Jane Eyre" reflects her own journey of loss and searching for identity.

Domestic Dynamics

Rosaleen moves into May's room for comfort, showing interdependence among characters.
June and Neil's arguments about marriage reflect themes of commitment and societal expectations.

Gifts and Personal Growth

Zach gifts Lily a green notebook, symbolizing her path to becoming a writer.
Lily writes imaginative stories about her life with August, Rosaleen, and Zach, illustrating her creative outlet and aspirations.

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Description

Explore the rich emotional landscape and relationships in 'The Secret Life of Bees.' This quiz investigates Lily's fears, aspirations, and her bond with Zach, as well as the wisdom of August. Delve into how these elements shape their interactions and personal growth throughout the narrative.