The Secret Life of Bees Overview

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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?

Lily's dad Signup and view all the answers

How old was Lily when her mom died?

4 Signup and view all the answers

How old is Lily now?

14 Signup and view all the answers

How did Lily's mom die?

Lily shot her with a gun when she was 2 Signup and view all the answers

What point of view is the story told from?

First person Signup and view all the answers

Describe the setting of the story.

Set in South Carolina during 1964, The Secret Life of Bees tells the story of a fourteen-year-old white girl, Lily Owens, whose life has been shaped around the blurred memory of the afternoon her mother was killed. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the relationship between Lily and Rosaleen.

Rosaleen has a motherly relationship with Lily, helping care for her in the absence of her own mother. Signup and view all the answers

What did Lily find in the attic?

Her mother's things Signup and view all the answers

Where does Lily keep her mom's things?

On a special shelf in her room Signup and view all the answers

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

She wanted to be a hairdresser and Rosaleen influenced them. 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

When is Lily's birthday?

July 4th Signup and view all the answers

What did Rosaleen steal from the church?

Fans Signup and view all the answers

Why did Rosaleen get arrested?

A group of racists harassed Rosaleen, and she was arrested for affronting them. Signup and view all the answers

How does Lily convince the preacher not to press charges against Rosaleen?

She told him that she was being sarcastic. Signup and view all the answers

Who caused Rosaleen's head injury?

Franklin Posey Signup and view all the answers

Why was Lily so insistent that Rosaleen leave the hospital?

So she does not get arrested Signup and view all the answers

Where do Lily and Rosaleen plan to go after they leave the hospital?

Tiburon Signup and view all the answers

What town do Lily and Rosaleen go to?

Tiburon Signup and view all the answers

What problem do Lily and Rosaleen confront when trying to figure out food and lodging?

Sunday everything is closed Signup and view all the answers

What does Lily steal from the store?

Red snuff Signup and view all the answers

What on the honey jar gets Lily's attention?

Black Mary on the jars Signup and view all the answers

What color is the Boatwright house?

Pink Signup and view all the answers

Who is August Boatwright?

Maker of the Black Madonna Honey Signup and view all the answers

Describe June and May Boatwright.

June is wearing red with her hair cut short, May is wearing a green and white short dress. Signup and view all the answers

Who is the fourth sister?

April Signup and view all the answers

Describe August Boatwright.

Tall, dressed in white, wearing a pith helmet. Signup and view all the answers

What surprised Lily about what she reveals to August?

She told the truth Signup and view all the answers

What appears odd about May's behavior?

Seems special needs Signup and view all the answers

What reason does Lily give August about running away?

T. Ray kicked them out Signup and view all the answers

Where did Lily and Rosaleen stay while with the Boatwright sisters?

The honey house Signup and view all the answers

Describe the stone wall and where the idea came from.

The stone wall is a 'wailing wall' like the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Signup and view all the answers

What was the mystery of 'Oh Susanna'?

May sings to distract herself when she is sad Signup and view all the answers

What did Lily overhear June and August talk about one night on the back porch?

How they knew they were lying Signup and view all the answers

How and why did April die?

After a run-in with a racist shopkeeper when she was 11, her eyes were opened to the world's injustices, and she found it hard to swallow. She subsequently developed depression and, sadly, committed suicide when she was 15. 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.

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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.