The Bees: A Narrative Fiction

Bernard Beckett once stated, “Human spirit is the belief that problems can be solved, differences resolved. It is a type of confidence. And it is fragile. It can be blackened by fear and superstition” (“Brainyquote”). Lily was constantly thrown with problems and needed to catch them with different solutions each time. Sue Monk Kidd employed indirect characterization, symbolism, and allusions in The Secret Life of Bees to show the underlying theme of struggle. Lily became stronger with every setback that Lily faced and overcame the fear of her problems. The literary devices were employed throughout the novel to show the various methods Lily coped with the prolonging struggles she endured.

“What is bound will be unbound. What is cast down will be lifted up. This is the promise of Our Lady” (228). Mary, known in the book as Our Lady of Chains, is an important aspect of Lily Owen’s epic quest. Though her journey is not that of legend, her quest is epic in its own right. Through her own sense of spirituality, Lily is able to overcome all obstacles in her way. Lily Owen’s journey in The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kid functions as a literary quest as she struggles to overcome her abusive father, her own guilt, and her anger towards her mother on her journey self-discovery.

The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd is a novel about a young girl named Lily Owens who comes of age caused by many difficulties and obstacles in her life, such as living with the constant reminder that she killed her own mother. Throughout the novel there are many examples of racism, but she learns to overcome that and see everyone equally. What attracted me to the novel was the plot of the story and the conflict between Lily and her father. What kept me engaged were the many conflicts that arose during the story. It made me want to continue reading to find out how they resolved every conflict.

“I loved the idea of bees having a secret life, just like the one I was living.” –The Secret Life of Bees (page 148)

Should we get him a bedroom first? He needs a place to stay." her parents walked up a small staircase and called for Joyce. I followed closely behind her. The room I was given was really quite frankly small, I was next to Joyce's room. I sat down on my small bed and looked around. The ceiling slanted above me to a point.

The bees in the story represent guides, they give comfort and they also represent Lily’s life in a sense. The bees represent guides or signs matter fact, because she followed the honey label to Tiburon and there she found out the truth about her mother. While in Tiburon she helps August with the bees. The bees represent exploration and personal growth because if she never found that label she would have never forgiven anyone or found out the truth. The bees showed her the right way and pushed her, all while being by her side and accompanying her. Also, most of the main actions in this novel involve the bees. For example, when she licks the honey off of Zach’s finger she found out that she loves him. In addition, the bees give Lily comfort

“Don’t you think Jake would be alive if things had gone differently?” Holly asked them, engaging a conversation.

"Of course you did, you weren't paying attention," Marc said bitingly. He looked funny staring at me through those silly glasses. His vision was 20/20 but he wore them anyway, believing them to present him with an air of grace. "Jacob, why'd you come over if you were just going to paint through my reading?"

"It's fine ,but is there any entries about my mom?" Francis teen male voice said voice almost breaking he didn't know James brought them

Raising her voice, Mrs. Lucas said, “When she told him, she refused to pay for sloppy work. Do you know what he said?”

When he got to Mr. Woodfork’s class he found a note underneath his desk that read, “Return the you-know-what to me or else no one will find your corpse.” Josh’s hand started to

“You get on it as well, I’ll need a briefing”. I boarded the plane and, to my surprise, he boarded it as well. “You don’t normally take orders from me…I find this amusing”. I said. I was bored. I needed to rile him up for something to do.

He sees me and grins at me in such a way that melts my insides and makes my legs feel like jelly. Then the bees in my stomach have started again, they're buzzing and buzzing and buzzing and - ouch. All the bees sting me simultaneously. I'm doubled over, groaning at the overwhelming pain that's crippling me but I'm smiling and embracing the girl that's appeared by his side. But my smile's too wide and my hug too tight. I'm positive they can tell.

"I see his plan failing the moment you walk in the door," she said looking at me. "That boy is in love with you. When you love someone all sanity just oozes out of your ears." She laughed looking at Seamus.

Watching carefully, Jared saw the beady little black eyes go from surprised to narrow with suspicion. “Come again compadre. What do ya mean by final destination?”