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?
Lily's nanny and first friend
Who is T. Ray?
Signup and view all the answers
How old was Lily when her mom died?
Signup and view all the answers
How old is Lily now?
Signup and view all the answers
How did Lily's mom die?
Signup and view all the answers
What point of view is the story told from?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the setting of the story.
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the relationship between Lily and Rosaleen.
Signup and view all the answers
What did Lily find in the attic?
Signup and view all the answers
Where does Lily keep her mom's things?
Signup and view all the answers
What dreams did Lily have for her future and who influenced those dreams?
Signup and view all the answers
Why did Rosaleen go into town on the 4th of July?
Signup and view all the answers
When is Lily's birthday?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Rosaleen steal from the church?
Signup and view all the answers
Why did Rosaleen get arrested?
Signup and view all the answers
How does Lily convince the preacher not to press charges against Rosaleen?
Signup and view all the answers
Who caused Rosaleen's head injury?
Signup and view all the answers
Why was Lily so insistent that Rosaleen leave the hospital?
Signup and view all the answers
Where do Lily and Rosaleen plan to go after they leave the hospital?
Signup and view all the answers
What town do Lily and Rosaleen go to?
Signup and view all the answers
What problem do Lily and Rosaleen confront when trying to figure out food and lodging?
Signup and view all the answers
What does Lily steal from the store?
Signup and view all the answers
What on the honey jar gets Lily's attention?
Signup and view all the answers
What color is the Boatwright house?
Signup and view all the answers
Who is August Boatwright?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe June and May Boatwright.
Signup and view all the answers
Who is the fourth sister?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe August Boatwright.
Signup and view all the answers
What surprised Lily about what she reveals to August?
Signup and view all the answers
What appears odd about May's behavior?
Signup and view all the answers
What reason does Lily give August about running away?
Signup and view all the answers
Where did Lily and Rosaleen stay while with the Boatwright sisters?
Signup and view all the answers
Describe the stone wall and where the idea came from.
Signup and view all the answers
What was the mystery of 'Oh Susanna'?
Signup and view all the answers
What did Lily overhear June and August talk about one night on the back porch?
Signup and view all the answers
How and why did April die?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Key Characters
- Lily Owens: The 14-year-old narrator longing for her deceased mother; her life is shaped by her mother's tragic death.
- Rosaleen: Lily's caregiver and first friend, assumes a maternal role in Lily's life.
- T. Ray: Lily's father, responsible for abusive treatment.
- August Boatwright: Maker of Black Madonna Honey; a central figure in Lily's new life.
- June and May Boatwright: Sisters of August, contributing to the household.
- April: The fourth sister, who died by suicide due to depression.
Setting
- Time: 1964, reflecting the societal challenges of the Civil Rights era.
- Place: South Carolina, significantly impacting the characters' interactions and experiences.
Plot Points
- Lily's mother died when she was 4; Lily inadvertently shot her at the age of 2.
- Rosaleen faces racial harassment while trying to register to vote, leading to her arrest.
- Lily steals red snuff from a store while navigating food and lodging challenges on a Sunday when businesses are closed.
Important Events
- Lily and Rosaleen plan to escape T. Ray's abusive environment by heading to Tiburon after Rosaleen's hospital stay.
- The Boatwright sisters provide shelter to Lily and Rosaleen in the honey house.
- The stone wall, resembling the Western Wall in Jerusalem, serves as a space of reflection and mourning for May.
Themes and Symbols
- Motherhood and Loss: Lily's longing for her mother drives her actions and relationships.
- Racism and Injustice: Rosaleen's experiences showcase the racial tensions of the era.
- Honey and the Black Madonna: Symbolizes strength, nurturing, and a connection to Lilys heritage.
Lily's Growth
- Initially dreams of being a hairdresser, influenced by Rosaleen.
- Experiences a shift as she learns to confront her past and embrace new familial bonds with the Boatwright sisters.
Minor Characters and Details
- Franklin Posey: The man responsible for injuring Rosaleen.
- May's unique behavior and her method of coping with grief highlight her emotional struggles.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
This quiz explores key characters, setting, and plot points from 'The Secret Life of Bees'. Dive into Lily Owens' journey, her relationships with Rosaleen and the Boatwright sisters, and how the Civil Rights era shapes their lives in South Carolina. Test your knowledge of this poignant story about loss and resilience.