The Secret Life of Bees

Questions and Answers

What happens to May after she goes to the wailing wall for the last time?

She goes to the river, puts a rock on herself, and drowns herself in the river.

What messages does Lily have for May during the vigil?

Lily hopes May will be happier in heaven, she wants May to tell Mary that 'we're doing our best to keep her memory going,' and to find her mother to let her know that Lily is away from T.Ray and 'would appreciate a sign letting her know you love her.'

How does Zach get out of jail?

The girl at the ticket booth at the movie theater comes forward to say which of the boys threw the bottle, and the charges against Zach are dropped.

What is August's reply when Lily asks if she believes putting black cloths over the hives will help May get to heaven?

August says, 'Putting black cloths on the hives is for us. I do it to remind us that life gives way into death, and then death turns around and gives way into life.' Signup and view all the answers

What brings Lily the most cause for gladness while the Daughters of Mary are holding vigil for May?

Sugar-Girl makes a joke about white people which wasn't very nice, and no one there is judging Lily about her color; they are just treating her as an individual. Signup and view all the answers

What important message is in May's note to August and June?

It's my time to die, and it's your time to live. Don't mess it up. Signup and view all the answers

What is August's advice to June after reading May's note?

She told June to marry Neil. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

May's Final Actions

May visits the wailing wall for the last time before tragically drowning herself in the river, placing a rock on her chest.

Lily's Messages to May

During a vigil, Lily expresses hopes for May's happiness in heaven and assures her to convey messages to Mary; they are striving to preserve her memory.
Lily also asks May to find her mother and communicate her desire for a sign of love, as she is away from T. Ray.

Zach's Release from Jail

Zach is released from jail after the girl at the movie theater ticket booth testifies about which boy threw the bottle, resulting in dropped charges.

August's Philosophy on Life and Death

August explains to Lily that putting black cloths over hives serves as a reminder of the cycle of life and death rather than aiding May's ascent to heaven.

Lily's Source of Gladness

While the Daughters of Mary hold vigil for May, Lily finds joy in a joke made by Sugar-Girl about white people, highlighting the absence of judgment regarding her race.

May's Important Note

May leaves a poignant message for August and June, urging them to embrace life, stating, "It's my time to die, and it's your time to live. Don't mess it up."

August's Encouragement for June

After reading May's note, August advises June to marry Neil, suggesting a new direction for her life.

Description

Test your knowledge of key events and themes from 'The Secret Life of Bees'. This quiz focuses on significant moments, such as May's final actions and Lily's messages during the vigil. Dive deeper into the emotional narrative and character connections in this impactful novel.